On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized that he is open to all possible actions regarding the Venezuelan crisis, including military options, stating that his administration "must address" the issue.
These remarks were made during an event in the Oval Office, as reported by the EFE agency.
The president criticized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro for not treating the United States well and accused his government of sending illegal immigrants, including members of the criminal gang Tren de Aragua, into the U.S.
"I'm not thrilled with those running Venezuela. I love Venezuela and its people, but what they’ve done to the country is unacceptable," Trump declared.
He mentioned the possibility of speaking with Maduro in the future, indicating a potential for dialogue, yet maintaining a critical stance towards the regime, as reported by EFE.
In a video released by the official Rapid Response 47 account linked to the White House, Trump is seen stating: "I don't rule out anything; we simply have to address Venezuela," when asked about the potential deployment of U.S. troops to the South American nation.
Trump further claimed that Venezuela has sent hundreds of thousands of people from its prisons to the U.S., blaming Maduro's regime for allowing dangerous criminals to enter through the southern border.
During the discussion, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described members of the Tren de Aragua gang as "murderers who massacre people and bury them in their communities."
Trump agreed with her characterization and questioned if this gang was worse than MS-13, to which Noem responded: "They are the worst."
The president stated that his administration is taking steps to deport those involved and strengthen border control.
"They treated us like a dumping ground, but that's over. I love Venezuela and its people, but not those who govern it. What Maduro and his regime have done, and what Biden and the Democrats have done to our country, will never be forgotten," Trump asserted.
He reiterated his willingness to engage in talks with Nicolás Maduro while making it clear that all options remain on the table.
His comments come as Washington reevaluates its policy towards Caracas, characterized by sanctions and increasing regional tensions.
Trump's administration has consistently taken a tough stance against the Venezuelan regime, holding it accountable for human rights violations, corruption, and using migration as a political weapon.
Previously, in a surprising move that shook the geopolitical landscape in Latin America, Trump initially opened the door to possible dialogue with Nicolás Maduro, although he later hardened his rhetoric, warning that "no option is off the table" regarding Venezuela.
"We might be talking, having conversations with Maduro. We'll see how it turns out. They’d like to talk," Trump said on Sunday from the West Palm Beach airport in Florida, just before boarding Air Force One.
Similarly, the U.S. State Department announced on Sunday its intention to designate the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), effective Monday, November 24, 2025.
According to the statement signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the organization is led by Nicolás Maduro and top Chavista officials, accused of turning Venezuela's state structures—from the military to the judiciary—into tools for drug trafficking and corruption.
All these actions followed Trump's announcement last Friday that he had made a decision regarding possible military actions against Venezuela, though he declined to provide details about the next steps.
"I've made up my mind. I can't tell you what it will be," Trump told reporters as he walked towards the presidential plane en route to Florida for the weekend.
"We've made significant progress with Venezuela in terms of curbing the massive entry of drugs," he added.
Understanding U.S. Policy on Venezuela
What measures is the U.S. considering against Venezuela?
The U.S. is considering a range of options, including military intervention, to address the crisis in Venezuela. The Trump administration is also contemplating sanctions and diplomatic measures.
What is the Tren de Aragua?
Tren de Aragua is a notorious criminal gang from Venezuela, involved in various illegal activities. The U.S. administration has accused it of sending its members to the United States as part of illegal immigration.
Why is the Cartel of the Suns being labeled a terrorist organization?
The Cartel of the Suns is being labeled a terrorist organization due to its involvement in drug trafficking and corruption within Venezuela, led by Nicolás Maduro and high-ranking officials of the regime.