Nicolas Maduro, the socialist leader of Venezuela, has reached out to President Donald Trump, expressing a desire for “direct conversations” with the U.S. This revelation came from Vice President Delsy Rodriguez on Sunday amid increasing tensions between the two nations.
In his letter, Maduro stated he is “open to direct and candid discussions” to navigate through the “media noise and fake news” surrounding their relations.
Rodriguez shared copies of these letters on her official Telegram accounts in both English and Spanish. Venezuelan officials noted that the letter was dated September 5th and was given to a “South American intermediary” the following day to ensure it reached President Trump.
Furthermore, Rodriguez emphasized the importance of presenting undeniable truths about Venezuela, supported by maps and scientific data recognized by international organizations. Allegedly, these maps were sourced from UN anti-drug efforts.
In the letter, Maduro referred to Trump as “respected President Donald Trump,” and pointed out the prevalence of “fake news” regarding Venezuela, particularly criticizing the treatment of deported immigrants.
He remarked, “Recently, unfounded accusations from Venezuelan officials linking our country to organized crime and drug trafficking have dominated the headlines, which is the most malicious example of misinformation we are facing.”
Maduro continued, “I have been in long discussions with my special envoy Rick Grenell about these issues. I am sending credible data concerning drug production and trafficking in South America, demonstrating that Venezuela is not a center for drug production and actively opposes the drug trade.”
He claimed, citing data supposedly from the UN, that “only 5%” of Colombia’s drugs are trafficked through Venezuela. According to him, all drugs confiscated along the Colombian border were “intercepted and destroyed,” and that over 70% of drugs attempting to enter Venezuela this year have been “neutralized and destroyed,” which he suggested illustrates Venezuela’s effective stance against drugs.
“President, I hope we can dispel the falsehoods that have soured our relationship; this should be a historic and peaceful resolution, as envisioned by our liberator, Simon Bolivar,” he added.
Vice President Rodriguez also shared the letter as part of Maduro’s initiative to prepare against what they described as a U.S. “invasion.” In recent weeks, Maduro and his officials have felt pressured to address the U.S. troop presence in international waters nearby.
Maduro has alleged that drug cartels pose a “threat” to Venezuela and are part of a conspiracy to displace him. He has indicated that any U.S. invasion might lead to an “armed struggle.”
For years, U.S. officials have accused top members of Maduro’s administration, including Maduro himself, of involvement in international cocaine trafficking, with a $50 million bounty on his head related to multiple narcoterrorism charges, seeking information leading to his arrest.
On Thursday, as part of preparations, Venezuelan military officials were to train civilians on the weekend for potential confrontations with U.S. troops. Videos of these military drills were shared on social media, depicting officials training women on firearm usage.
On Saturday, tanks and armored vehicles were positioned on the streets of Caracas, seen as a display of strength in response to the supposed “invasion.” It was covered by state media and circulated online by supporters of the administration, accompanied by propaganda videos from their official Instagram account.
Hours before Rodriguez’s release of the letter, Maduro made an appeal to farmers, urging them that if the U.S. does invade, they should take up arms to defend the country. Similarly, Minister of Fisheries Juan Carlos Royo announced that Venezuelan fishermen would hold “maritime rallies” in coastal states to protest the U.S. troop deployment.
“I believe the Ezekiel Zamora National Federation of Farmers will prepare thoroughly. Countless farmers are ready to defend the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela if attacked by the American Empire,” Maduro said.
