Trump Signals Possible Talks With Venezuela’s Maduro Amid Rising Regional Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that his administration may be open to potential discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, even as Washington intensifies pressure on Caracas through expanded military operations and new designations targeting alleged drug trafficking networks. Speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said, “We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out. They would like to talk.” While he did not offer specifics, Trump emphasized that his administration would continue its efforts to curb drug trafficking, noting ongoing operations aimed at stopping narcotics from entering the United States.

The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately comment on Trump’s remarks. Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department plans to label the alleged Venezuelan-linked organization Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. The designation would make it illegal for anyone in the United States to provide material support to the group. U.S. officials accuse Cartel de los Soles of collaborating with the criminal network Tren de Aragua to smuggle narcotics into the country. The Trump administration has long claimed that Maduro oversees the cartel, an allegation he continues to reject.

Tensions in the region have escalated as the Pentagon increases its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships, fighter jets, and even a nuclear submarine. The U.S. military also confirmed another strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific on Saturday, killing three people. According to U.S. Southern Command, intelligence showed the boat was traveling along a known narcotics route in international waters.

The strike marks the 21st such attack since early September, with more than 80 fatalities reported. While the Trump administration argues the operations are legally justified, U.S. lawmakers, human rights groups, and allied nations continue to question the legality and broader implications of these escalating efforts.