In a press briefing on Monday, President Donald Trump maintained ambiguity regarding potential military intervention in Venezuela, even as he hinted at the possibility of diplomatic engagement with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Maduro has accused the U.S. of orchestrating a military buildup and targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels near Venezuela as part of a broader strategy to oust him from power. Trump, while expressing openness to dialogue, emphasized that military action remains a viable option. ‘I don’t rule out that. I don’t rule out anything,’ he stated, sidestepping questions about whether Maduro could influence the U.S. to de-escalate its military posture. Trump further criticized Maduro, alleging that he has caused significant harm to the U.S. through drug trafficking and migration. ‘He’s done tremendous damage to our country,’ Trump remarked. ‘He has not been good to the United States, so we’ll see what happens.’ The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Maduro’s government in recent days, with plans to designate a cartel allegedly led by Maduro and other Venezuelan officials as a terrorist organization. The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford and accompanying warships in the Caribbean coincided with U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels. While the administration frames these actions as counterdrug operations, analysts and Venezuelan opposition figures view them as escalating pressure tactics. Geoff Ramsey, a Venezuela policy expert at the Atlantic Council, noted that the Trump administration’s approach reflects a desire to negotiate from a position of strength. ‘They really want to negotiate from a place of strength,’ Ramsey said. ‘Either [Maduro] engages in credible talks about a transition, or the U.S. will have no choice but to escalate.’ Maduro has previously engaged in negotiations with the U.S. and Venezuelan opposition, resulting in agreements aimed at ensuring free and fair elections. However, Maduro’s alleged manipulation of these agreements has fueled skepticism. In Caracas, reactions to the prospect of renewed dialogue were mixed, with some expressing hope for a peaceful resolution and others questioning the government’s commitment to honoring agreements. ‘If [the dialogue] actually happens, I hope the government will actually follow through this time,’ said shopkeeper Gustavo García. Stay-at-home mother Mery Martínez added, ‘Talking is always better. Anything that helps prevent a tragedy is good.’
Trump floats possible talks with Venezuela but leaves military action on the table
