Trump floats possible talks with Maduro as US strike group arrives in Caribbean
US adds new terror designation to a cartel linked to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, as the USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships near
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the US “may be having some discussions” with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a potential diplomatic avenue as the US further builds up its military presence near the South American country with the arrival of its most advanced aircraft carrier.
Trump did not offer details about the possible discussions with Maduro, but he said “Venezuela would like to talk”.
The development comes as the Trump administration has carried out a series of military strikes against vessels suspected of transporting drugs. The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships, announced by the US Navy in a statement, marked a major moment in what the administration insists is a counterdrug operation but has been seen as an escalating pressure tactic against Maduro.
When asked on Sunday what he meant when he said Maduro wants to talk, Trump simply said: “What does it mean? You tell me, I don’t know”.
“I’ll talk to anybody,” he added a few moments later. “We’ll see what happens.”