Trump Signals Potential Dialog with Maduro Amidst Caribbean Tensions
Former President Trump has indicated a willingness to engage in direct talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, stating, “I may talk to him. We’ll see,” while aboard Air Force One en route to Mar-a-Lago for Thanksgiving. This statement confirms the possibility of a direct conversation aimed at de-escalating a dispute fueling tension in the caribbean.
trump added that interaction channels are already open between their respective teams,with the intention of facilitating a direct conversation between the two leaders. he asserted that diplomatic means could “save lives” in resolving the current situation.
White House sources reported to the Axios portal on Monday that Trump is preparing for a call with Maduro, though a specific date has not yet been determined.This development occurs as tensions escalate, with Chavismo mobilizing its supporters in a display of unity, as Maduro urged his followers: “It is forbidden to fail at this decisive juncture.”
The potential for dialogue arrives amidst a significant disruption to air travel, with numerous flights and international airline operations cancelled in Venezuela due to a substantial US military deployment in the Caribbean. Washington maintains this deployment, which includes the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford,is intended to combat drug trafficking. However, the Venezuelan government believes the true objective is to force a change in leadership.
Trump’s consideration of direct talks echoes a strategy employed during his first term with North Korean leader Kim jong-Un. despite initial rhetorical escalation and missile tests, a face-to-face meeting in Singapore ultimately served to reduce tensions, even if concrete results were limited to a joint statement and symbolic displays. Trump later publicly stated he and kim had developed a personal rapport,claiming they ”fell in love.”
Adding to the regional activity, the Pentagon announced a trip by Secretary of Defense, Pete hegseth, to the Caribbean. Hegseth is scheduled to arrive in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this Wednesday to meet with President Luis Abinader and government representatives to discuss security concerns.
General Dan Caine, Chief of the General Staff, visited Puerto Rico on Monday, where a majority of the 15,000 soldiers involved in Operation ”Southern Lance” are believed to be stationed. He continued to Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, meeting with representatives of that government.
