WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás maduro spoke by phone last week,according to a report by The New York Times published Friday. Several sources familiar with the matter confirmed the call,which would mark the first direct communication between the two leaders.
While no meeting is currently planned, the reported conversation occurs amid ongoing U.S. pressure on Venezuela, where the Biden and Trump administrations have both accused maduro of leading a drug trafficking organization known as the “Cartel de los Soles.” The existence of a traditionally structured cartel operating within Venezuela has been questioned by experts, who cite a lack of concrete evidence.
The phone call follows a series of U.S. government actions targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking originating from Venezuela and other Latin American countries, beginning in early September. These actions have drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, academics, and human rights advocates.
On Thursday, Trump reiterated threats to launch ground attacks against alleged cartels, stating, “Land is easier, but this will start very soon,” to reporters.
Neither the White House nor Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication have responded to requests for comment regarding the reported phone call or Trump’s statements.The U.S. government continues to view Maduro as an illegitimate leader.
