Trump has issued a direct warning to Raytheon Technologies, threatening the defense contractor with loss of U.S. government contracts unless it rapidly increases weapons production, invests in new facilities, and immediately halts all share buybacks. In his latest Truth Social statement, Trump accused the company of prioritizing shareholders over U.S. military readiness, escalating his campaign against defense industry practices.

Specific Threats to Raytheon

The latest Truth Social post represents a significant escalation from general industry criticism to targeted threats against one of America's largest defense contractors. Trump's warning specifically demands Raytheon demonstrate measurable improvements in weapons production capabilities while simultaneously investing company resources in new manufacturing facilities.

Financial Restrictions Framework

The Raytheon warning builds upon comprehensive financial restrictions Trump previously announced targeting defense contractor operations across the industry:

Shareholder vs. Military Readiness Focus

Trump's accusation that Raytheon prioritizes shareholders over military readiness highlights his broader criticism of defense contractor financial practices. The warning emphasizes that companies must shift from external funding dependencies and shareholder returns to internal capital allocation for production improvements and facility expansion.

Contract Loss Consequences

The threat of losing U.S. government contracts represents the most severe consequence Trump has outlined for defense contractors failing to meet his demands. This escalation from financial restrictions to potential contract termination demonstrates the administration's willingness to use procurement leverage to force operational changes in the defense industry.

Following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Republican lawmakers are pushing back against concerns about prolonged American involvement in the South American nation. After a classified briefing with top Trump administration officials, GOP leaders emphasized that the operation does not constitute occupation or nation-building.

Republican Leaders Reject Occupation Claims

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana directly addressed concerns about American military presence following a classified session with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other senior officials.

"We do not have US armed forces in Venezuela, and we are not occupying that country," Johnson told reporters after the briefing. Representative Brian Mast, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reinforced this message, stating: "If anybody wants to use the term nation-building, or anything like that, it doesn't look like anything anybody has seen under President Trump."

Democratic Opposition and War Powers Debate

Democratic leaders expressed skepticism about the administration's Venezuela strategy following the same briefing. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Senate's Democratic leader, criticized the lack of clarity in Trump's plans for the oil-rich nation.

"Their plan for the US running Venezuela is vague, based on wishful thinking and unsatisfying," Schumer stated. He noted that the briefing "posed more questions than it answered" and said he had not received assurances that Trump would not take similar action in other countries.

The Senate is scheduled to vote this week on a resolution to block further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval, co-sponsored by Schumer. Republicans maintain the weekend operation did not require congressional approval because it involved brief "law enforcement" action to bring Maduro to court in New York.

Broader Military Strategy and Economic Implications

Trump sent US troops into Caracas to seize Maduro, who pleaded not guilty to narcotics charges. The administration accuses Maduro of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network that partnered with violent groups, including Mexico's Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombia's FARC rebels and Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang.

Republicans have defeated previous attempts to pass war powers resolutions since Trump deployed US forces to the Caribbean four months ago, where they have been targeting vessels Washington says are carrying drugs. Representative Mast left open the possibility of future military action, stating: "There's absolutely a continual plan to use the United States military to protect the homeland of the United States of America."

Embassy Reopening and Long-term Engagement

Despite denying occupation plans, the State Department continues preparations for potential embassy reopening in Caracas. A senior State Department official previously confirmed that preparations are underway should Trump decide to reopen diplomatic operations, which were suspended in 2019.

Trump has made clear his interest in Venezuela's oil reserves, with US oil companies' shares rising on prospects of accessing the nation's vast petroleum resources. The administration's approach appears focused on exerting influence without deploying ground forces, which would face limited domestic support.

Maduro's capture has rattled world leaders and left officials in Caracas scrambling to regroup, while some Democrats accused Trump administration officials of misleading them about regime change plans in Venezuela.