Trump uses strong language during Zelensky meeting regarding Maduro.

Trump’s Warning to Maduro Amid Military Escalation

During a recent event, President Trump cautioned Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro against provoking the United States, particularly as Maduro ramps up military efforts against drug trafficking in the area.

Speaking from the White House while having lunch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Trump remarked, “He doesn’t want to have anything to do with the United States.”

Trump noted that Maduro had “offered everything” in prior diplomatic discussions with the U.S., talks that Trump reportedly ended last week.

The New York Times has indicated that Maduro proposed giving the U.S. control over Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources during months of negotiations.

Additionally, the Associated Press mentioned that Venezuelan officials had suggested Maduro might ultimately resign in response to increasing pressure from the Trump administration.

“He gave everything. He gave everything,” Trump reiterated. “That’s right. Do you know why? Because he doesn’t want to deal with America.”

This week, Trump also disclosed that he had greenlit the CIA to broaden covert operations in Venezuela, hinting at possible direct actions against Maduro.

Regarded as an illegitimate leader by many globally, Maduro was indicted in the U.S. in 2020 for orchestrating a drug cartel.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also acts as Trump’s national security adviser, has raised the bounty to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s capture or conviction.

Rubio is viewed as a key proponent of efforts to remove Maduro, with Trump stating that Rubio’s primary goals are to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

Trump has announced a surge in military operations targeting what his administration labels as narco-terrorist activities in the Caribbean, considering “land” operations as part of this strategy.

The Venezuelan opposition party, celebrated as the rightful victor of the 2024 election, has expressed support for Trump’s strong statements against Maduro. Opposition leader Maria Colina Machado, who recently received the Nobel Peace Prize, dedicated her award to Trump and urged the U.S. to assist in the “war” against Maduro.