President Donald Trump suggested Monday that a diplomatic path may be opening with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, though he has yet to decide on direct military action. The comments come as U.S. forces continue to build a presence near Venezuela.
Trump indicated he could speak directly with Maduro at a “certain time,” hinting at a potential resolution without resorting to bombs or ground troops. At the same time, he made clear his willingness to strike drug operations in other countries, including Mexico and Colombia.
“We know their address. We know everything about every one of them,” Trump said of drug cartel leaders. He added he would be “proud” to target facilities abroad to stop drugs from reaching the United States. “Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? That’s OK with me,” he said.
Regarding Venezuela, Trump did not rule out sending U.S. troops, noting he doesn’t “rule out anything.” A senior U.S. official said Trump hopes mounting military pressure will encourage Maduro to step down without a direct attack. The U.S. has deployed 15,000 personnel and an aircraft carrier to the region.
Trump’s potential talks with Maduro remain preliminary. Officials confirmed that Maduro’s team has sought to open communication channels. Richard Grenell, a special presidential envoy, had previously led discussions but was instructed to end diplomatic outreach last month.
The president has received consecutive briefings on military options, ranging from strikes on government facilities to special operations raids. Doing nothing remains an option. Trump has questioned the risks to U.S. troops and the likelihood of success, signaling caution amid escalating tensions.
While exploring diplomacy, Trump is also balancing criticism from allies who say his focus abroad detracts from domestic issues. Venezuelan opposition advisor David Smolansky said U.S. pressure is weakening Maduro’s grip on power. “They are cracking. Actually, they are cracking, and there is a lot of tension and mistrust among themselves,” he said.
Trump’s statements indicate a dual approach: pursuing potential talks with Maduro while keeping military options open against foreign drug networks. The situation remains fluid, and administration officials are closely monitoring developments in Caracas and throughout the region.