Trump Open to Talks With Venezuela's Maduro as Tensions Rise

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration may hold talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, signalling a possible shift after weeks of rising tension between Washington and Caracas.

Speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Trump said, “We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out. They would like to talk.” He did not provide details but repeated that the U.S. would continue applying pressure on Maduro’s government.

The comments come amid increased U.S. military activity near Venezuela, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group to the Caribbean. Washington has accused Maduro and senior officials of involvement in drug trafficking through a network known as the Cartel de los Soles.

• Trump signals possible talks with Venezuela’s Maduro as tensions escalate
• U.S. designates Cartel de los Soles a terrorist group amid rising regional pressure
• Diplomatic engagement remains on the table as Washington weighs military options

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the cartel will be designated a foreign terrorist organization, making it a crime for anyone in the U.S. to provide support. Asked if the move could lead to military action, Trump said, “It allows us to do that, but we haven’t said we’re going to do that.”

Venezuela’s communications ministry has not commented on Trump’s remarks or the possibility of talks.

A recent poll showed that only 35% of U.S. respondents support using military force in Venezuela without the country’s approval, underscoring limited public backing for armed intervention.

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Trump’s statement suggests Washington is weighing diplomatic engagement while keeping other options open, marking a notable development in the tense U.S.–Venezuela standoff.