Trump Indicates Meeting With Maduro Amid U.S. Military Buildup Near Venezuela
President Donald Trump has indicated that discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro might take place, stating that Maduro has expressed interest in engaging in talks. This development comes amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, which includes the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and multiple air and naval assets near Venezuela’s coast.
Since September 2025, the U.S. military has conducted 21 strikes against boats alleged to be involved in drug trafficking. These strikes have resulted in 83 deaths, reflecting a robust campaign to curb narcotics flow from Latin America. The strikes have been part of an operation dubbed “Operation Southern Spear,” involving enhanced surveillance flights, naval patrols, and airstrikes targeting vessels linked to narcoterrorism.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to designate the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly run by Maduro and related to significant drug trafficking and violence in the region, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This move broadens U.S. powers to target the cartel through sanctions and counterterrorism operations. The designation is set to take effect on November 24, 2025.
Despite this heightened pressure, Trump did not rule out deploying American ground forces to Venezuela, emphasising flexibility in U.S. options. Trump said, “I talk to anybody,” mentioning that talks with Maduro “may be happening,” marking a possible strategic pivot toward diplomacy amid rising tensions.
The USS Gerald R. Ford strike group’s arrival marks the largest U.S. naval buildup in Latin America in decades, with nearly a dozen Navy ships and about 12,000 sailors and marines positioned under the counter drug mission. Caracas responded with mobilizations including bolstering its coastal defenses and the Bolivarian Militia, which reportedly includes millions of personnel in readiness to counter perceived U.S. aggression.
Maduro, while denying drug trafficking accusations and condemning the U.S. military buildup as an “act of aggression,” has stated his willingness to engage in direct dialogue. This volatile combination of military pressure and diplomatic signals has placed the region under close watch as geopolitical dynamics evolve.
Key Highlights:
- President Trump indicated talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro may occur.
- U.S. military buildup includes aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and warships near Venezuela.
- 21 U.S. strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats since September, with 83 deaths.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
- Deployment of U.S. troops on Venezuelan soil remains an option; Trump keeps diplomatic lines open.
- Venezuela mobilizes troops and bolsters defenses amid rising tensions.
