In an unexpected twist shaking the geopolitical landscape of Latin America, President Donald Trump of the United States has hinted at opening a dialogue channel with Nicolás Maduro, even as the U.S. ramps up pressure on the socialist regime in Venezuela.
"It's possible we're talking, that we're having conversations with Maduro. We'll see how it turns out. They would like to talk," Trump said on Sunday at West Palm Beach airport in Florida, just before boarding Air Force One.
This statement, surprising given the administration's aggressive stance against Maduro, comes amid an intensified diplomatic, military, and judicial campaign from the White House against the Venezuelan government.
Trump's Strategic Ambiguity: "I'll Talk to Anyone"
The president maintained an air of mystery about the true extent of potential discussions with Caracas. When reporters asked what he meant by "Maduro wants to talk," he replied, "What does that mean? You tell me, I don't know."
He further added, "I'll talk to anyone. We'll see what happens." This reflects Trump's typical negotiation style, often marked by contradictory messages.
Despite this, the acknowledgment of potential talks—or at least a willingness to establish them—contrasts with previous rhetoric from his administration, which has labeled the Venezuelan leader a narcoterrorist and offered $50 million for information leading to his arrest.
Intensifying Pressure: Terrorist Designation and Military Build-Up
Recently, Washington has escalated its encirclement strategy. The State Department announced it will designate the so-called Cartel of the Suns as a terrorist organization beginning November 24. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that this organization is "led by Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of Maduro's illegitimate regime, who have corrupted Venezuela's armed forces, intelligence, legislative power, and judiciary."
This designation not only deepens the financial isolation of Maduro's circle but also sets the legal groundwork for potential direct military intervention.
Analysts and media have drawn parallels to the 1989 invasion of Panama, which resulted in the capture of dictator Manuel Noriega, as a strategic reference.
Simultaneously, the Pentagon has initiated the largest military deployment in the Caribbean in decades. The USS Gerald R. Ford, considered the most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. naval arsenal, arrived in the region on Sunday, accompanied by other escort ships.
The operation, dubbed "Southern Spear," involves nearly a dozen ships and over 12,000 sailors and Marines. This naval force arrived alongside new military offensives.
The Southern Command released images of an attack on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific, marking the 21st attack since September, with at least 83 fatalities. The official justification is to disrupt drug trafficking routes linked to the Cartel of the Suns. However, the U.S. government has not provided clear evidence linking the bombed vessels to criminal organizations.
No Judicial Restraint or Congressional Approval Required
Unlike other U.S. military interventions, this operation does not have the backing of a United Nations Security Council resolution or a national court order. Trump made it clear when asked if he would seek Congress's approval to act militarily against Venezuela: "We're stopping drug traffickers from entering our country... We don't have to get their approval. But I think it's good for them to know," he said.
He warned, "The only thing I don't want is for information to leak out and put our military at risk." He also mentioned having discussed the matter with Senator Marco Rubio, known for his hardline stance against Maduro: "I told Marco to inform Congress that we are not going to let drugs pass through Mexico or Venezuela."
The escalating conflict has already caused friction with other regional governments. A particularly controversial decision was the inclusion of Colombia's President Gustavo Petro on the Treasury Department's OFAC list for alleged drug trafficking links. The accusation suggests Petro would have "aligned with the narcoterrorist regime of Nicolás Maduro Moros and the Cartel of the Suns."
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has not officially responded to Trump's statements. Maduro has repeatedly claimed that the United States is "inventing a war" to justify an intervention against him. Venezuelan authorities have also not commented on the destruction of vessels in international waters or the fatalities from the bombings.
Diplomatic Solution or Prelude to War?
The contradictions in the Trump administration's discourse have sparked confusion and speculation among analysts and international leaders. While an unprecedented military offensive unfolds, the U.S. President hints at the possibility of a negotiated exit.
Trump himself recently acknowledged, "I've more or less made a decision" regarding future actions in Venezuela. "I can't tell you what it is, but we've made a lot of progress with Venezuela regarding drug entry."
As the U.S. military presence grows off the Venezuelan coast and formal accusations against Maduro multiply, the White House keeps the door open for dialogue, potentially shifting the regional balance of power significantly.
Key Questions about U.S.-Venezuela Relations
What is the Cartel of the Suns?
The Cartel of the Suns is a term used to describe a Venezuelan drug trafficking organization allegedly led by high-ranking officials in the Maduro regime. The U.S. has designated it as a terrorist organization.
Why is the U.S. increasing its military presence near Venezuela?
The U.S. is deploying military forces as part of its strategy to pressure the Maduro regime, disrupt drug trafficking routes, and potentially prepare for further action against Venezuela.
Has the U.S. provided evidence for its military actions against suspected drug traffickers?
As of now, the U.S. has not presented clear evidence linking bombed vessels to criminal organizations, raising questions about the justification for these military actions.