Reported Conversation
WASHINGTON: The New York Times, citing informed sources, reported that U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation last week with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The two leaders discussed the possibility of a future meeting in the United States.
Meeting Speculation
The newspaper noted that no plans currently exist for such a meeting. If it were to happen, it would mark the first encounter between a sitting U.S. president and the current Venezuelan leader. The report also suggested that Senator Marco Rubio participated in the call, though the White House has not commented.
Political Context
These reports surfaced at a time when Trump has adopted a hard line on Venezuela, repeatedly labeling Maduro an “illegitimate leader” and accusing him of heading a drug‑smuggling network known as Cartel de los Soles. Caracas has denied the allegations. Since September last year, U.S. forces have targeted vessels allegedly carrying narcotics from Venezuela and other Latin American countries.
Renewed Warnings
On Thursday, Trump reiterated earlier threats, warning of possible strikes against ground targets in Venezuela. In a televised address to the armed forces, he said: “You may have noticed people are no longer eager to move drugs by sea, and we will not allow them to do so by land either.”
Insight
The reported phone call highlights the tension between Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and his occasional openness to diplomacy. While military threats remain part of his strategy, the possibility of dialogue with Maduro suggests Washington is keeping multiple options on the table. Analysts argue that even the idea of a meeting reflects the complexity of U.S.–Venezuela relations, where confrontation and negotiation often coexist.