US President Donald Trump secretly spoke with Venezuela‘s leader Nicolas Maduro last week and discussed a potential meeting between the two leaders in the United States, according to a report from the New York Times. However, the Times noted that no plans currently exist for such a meeting. If it were to happen, it would mark the first-ever encounter between a sitting US president and the authoritarian Venezuelan leader.
This revelation comes as Trump continues to use aggressive rhetoric toward Venezuela while also exploring diplomatic avenues, after the US leader previously expressed openness to speaking with Maduro, and the recent report confirms that this conversation has already taken place. The Trump administration has labeled Maduro an illegitimate leader, accusing him of heading a drug trafficking organization known as Cartel de los Soles. Caracas has denied these allegations.
Concerns Over Narco-Corruption
Many independent experts acknowledge that narco-corruption within the Venezuelan government is a significant issue. However, they argue that there is insufficient evidence to support claims of a traditional cartel operating within the government. Since early September, the US government has targeted alleged drug boats originating from Venezuela and other Latin American countries. Critics, including Democrats, scholars, and human rights experts, have condemned these actions as extrajudicial executions.
On Thursday, Trump reiterated his previous threats to bomb land-based targets in Venezuela. “The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon,” he told reporters. Neither the White House nor the Venezuelan communications ministry responded to requests for comments regarding the phone call or the potential meeting.
Military and Diplomatic Strategies
White House officials have stated that Trump does not view military and diplomatic strategies as mutually exclusive in Venezuela. A significant military buildup in the Caribbean has been ongoing for months, and Trump has authorized covert CIA operations in the South American nation. On Sunday, Reuters reported that the US is preparing to enter a new phase of operations related to Venezuela, which may include deploying covert options. Two US officials indicated that these options could involve attempts to overthrow Maduro.
Earlier on Friday, The Washington Post reported that the US government deliberately targeted survivors after bombing a drug boat near Trinidad in a so-called “double tap” strike. This directive reportedly came from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who instructed to “kill everybody.” Although the Pentagon labeled the article misleading, it could heighten concerns regarding the legality of US operations in the region.
