Trump Signals Openness to Direct Talks with Maduro, Citing Potential to ‘Save Lives’
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump indicated Tuesday he would be willing to communicate directly with Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, a move that would represent a meaningful departure from U.S.policy and comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Trump stated he “coudl talk to him, we’ll see,” when questioned by reporters aboard Air Force One about the possibility of engaging with Maduro, who has been accused of leading a foreign terrorist organization.
The President framed the potential communication as a means to avert further crisis, asserting, “He is the leader” and “we can save lives.” Trump also attributed a surge in migration to the United States to Maduro’s leadership, stating he was “not happy” with the situation. This disclosure arrives as international airlines are considerably curtailing flights to Venezuela, responding to a ample U.S. military presence in the Caribbean Sea ostensibly aimed at combating drug trafficking - a deployment the venezuelan government views as a potential invasion.
Recent days have seen increased tracking of U.S. military aircraft operating near Venezuela’s coast, specifically between Venezuela and Curacao. Identified aircraft include a B-52 bomber, F/A-18 fighters, and an early warning aircraft.
The President’s comments follow a series of meetings with Pentagon officials to assess options regarding Venezuela, after the U.S. initiated military operations in international waters resulting in the deaths of over 80 individuals and the destruction of more than 20 vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The U.S. has long refused to recognize the legitimacy of maduro’s government, backing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president. This potential shift in approach signals a possible re-evaluation of strategy as the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela continues to escalate.