Trump Denies B-1 Bomber Report Amid Real-Time Fact Check

URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has publicly denied reports claiming that B-1 bombers were deployed to Venezuela, but real-time fact-checking from journalists is revealing discrepancies. The incident unfolded during a press gaggle on Thursday, where Trump was confronted about the deployment of two B-1 Lancer jets that reportedly flew from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas towards Venezuelan waters earlier today.

The Wall Street Journal initially reported the flights, citing an unnamed U.S. official and confirmed through flight tracking data that the bombers remained in international airspace. When CBS reporter Kathryn Watson questioned him, Trump dismissed the report as “not accurate.”

However, CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand quickly fact-checked Trump’s statement, noting that the bombers were visible on flight radar and had been tracked by open-source analysts throughout the day. At their closest approach, a B-1 bomber was reported to be just over 50 miles from the Venezuelan mainland.

Bertrand further referenced her colleague, Avery Schmitz, who had previously shared radar images of B-52 bombers flying near the Venezuelan coast, just 48 miles from an archipelago housing thousands of residents. This ongoing military activity raises concerns about escalating tensions in the region.

Adding to the urgency, Reuters reporter Idrees Ali reported that Trump hinted at the possibility of “land action” in Venezuela, which may indicate impending airstrikes. As of Thursday, there have been no formal announcements regarding an escalation of military operations in South America.

Trump has expressed strong opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, particularly as his administration undertakes operations against vessels he claims are transporting drugs. Despite these aggressive statements, the White House has yet to provide any detailed plans to Congress or the public, with only limited information shared by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Responding to rumors of mediation offers from Maduro, Trump firmly stated that the Venezuelan leader “doesn’t want to f—— around with the United States,” further signaling his administration’s hawkish stance.

With tensions mounting and the possibility of military action looming, both American and international observers are watching closely. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as developments unfold.

Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation as it progresses.