Trump Confirms Call with Maduro Amid Tensions
President Donald Trump confirmed to reporters while on Air Force One that he had a phone conversation with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. When pressed about the report, Trump stated, “I don’t want to comment on that. The answer is yes.”
The discussion’s specifics were not disclosed by Trump, but he remarked, “I can’t say it went well or bad. It was a phone conversation.” This came shortly after he posted on Truth Social, asserting that the airspace over Venezuela should be considered closed due to rising tensions concerning the Venezuelan government’s involvement in drug trafficking to the U.S.
Trump’s message included a warning to airlines, pilots, and traffickers, urging them to avoid Venezuelan airspace. He stated, “Thank you for your interest in this issue!” When asked why the closure was necessary, Trump replied, “Because I don’t think Venezuela is a very friendly country.”
The president elaborated, mentioning that many people entering the U.S. from Venezuela might be associated with undesirable activities, which he believes contribute to crime and drug issues. However, when asked if this implied an imminent airstrike, he said, “Don’t read too much into it.”
In response, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil issued a statement condemning Trump’s remarks as a “colonial threat” to Venezuela. He described the statement as an arbitrary act that violates international law and reflects persistent aggression toward the nation.
Citing an unspecified source familiar with the call, reports indicated that Trump gave Maduro an “ultimatum” to vacate Venezuela, promising safe passage for Maduro and his family in exchange for restoring democratic governance. However, Maduro’s administration rejected the proposal, suggesting an alternative arrangement where control could be handed over to rebels while maintaining military command.
The dialogue reportedly took place in the context of the U.S. designating the Cartel of the Sun as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This cartel is said to involve Venezuelan military personnel and the ruling regime in drug trafficking. The U.S. has indicted Maduro on multiple drug-related charges, and a reward of $50 million is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
As the situation evolves, Trump has hinted at escalated actions against Venezuelan drug traffickers, indicating that the U.S. military might increase its operations in the Caribbean to counter the influx of drugs. Maduro has consistently claimed these operations are part of a broader plan by the U.S. to invade Venezuela and seize its oil resources.
Trump recently stated that measures would soon be taken to intercept suspected drug deliveries traveling overland, indicating a serious commitment to addressing the issue.
