President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he held a phone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The admission comes amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, though the details of the call remain undisclosed.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump responded to a question about whether he had spoken with Maduro, stating, “I don’t want to comment on it. The answer is yes.” His confirmation follows reports suggesting that discussions had taken place earlier this month regarding a potential meeting between the two leaders on U.S. soil.
The revelation of this call coincides with President Trump’s increasingly assertive rhetoric toward Venezuela. While maintaining a tough stance, he has also expressed openness to diplomatic engagement.
Earlier in the week, Trump declared the airspace above and around Venezuela as “completely closed,” providing no further elaboration. This announcement sparked concern and confusion within Venezuela, as his administration intensifies pressure on the Maduro government.
The Trump administration is reportedly exploring various options concerning Venezuela, aiming to counter what it describes as Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking into the United States. President Maduro has consistently denied any connection to the drug trade.
Washington’s considerations reportedly include efforts to remove Maduro from power, with the U.S. military allegedly preparing for a new phase of operations following a significant military buildup in the Caribbean. This follows approximately three months of strikes targeting vessels suspected of carrying drugs off the Venezuelan coast.
Neither Maduro nor senior members of his government have commented on the confirmed phone call. When questioned about it, the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, stated that the call was not the subject of his press conference, where he announced a “parliamentary investigation” into the U.S. strikes in the Caribbean Sea.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
