I think, Maduro is trying to switch to the North-Korea-strategy.

[DetlefK]

A country with massive economic problems. Rectifying that would need massive political and economic changes, but changes are simply not thinkable:
If you change your socialist system, that is proof that your socialist system is not perfect and that you are just a fallible politician like everybody else.

So, we need a diversion... We need people to stop thinking about this crisis in economic terms...

* State-propaganda in NK indoctrinates the citizens from childhood on that an invasion by the US is imminent. The US will attack any minute now, any minute now, any minute now, any minute now, any minute now, any minute now, any minute now, any minute now, any minute now.

* State-propaganda in Venezuela is switching to the talking-point that the US will invade any minute now.
Demonizing the US for the failed coup of the right-wing opposition no longer works.
Demonizing the US for Venezuela's problems to sell oil and import food with worthless currency? That also no longer works.
Maduro needs a new shtick: "THEY'RE GONNA INVADE US!!! WE NEED TO SWITCH OUR ATTENTION TO THE MILITARY!!! NO TIME TO EXPLAIN!!!"

[OBenario4]

1. Maduro should blame Russia and KGB. n/t

[DetlefK]

2. Too late. He settled on the US as a boogeyman many years ago.

His whole propaganda is based on blaming the US for Venezuela's problems. He cannot turn around and ask the US for economic aid: His voters would crucify him.

[GatoGordo]

3. His Cuban playbook is played out. He needs to go hardcore.

Fortunately for Maduro, Trump is a dolt and played right into his hand by saying that the "military option" was on the table.

Fear not. Soon, elections will be a thing of the past, and "El Presidente" will become "El Jefe/Líder Glorioso y Supremo"!

Otherwise, Vlad Padrino or Diosdado Cabello will assume that title, after the Cubans whack Maduro when he can't pull of his extra-Constitutional coup.