Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Trump Open to Talks with Maduro, Leaves Troop Deployment Option Open
US President Trump said he might talk to Venezuela's President Maduro and didn't rule out sending US troops to Venezuela.
This comes as the US military increases its presence in the Caribbean for an anti-smuggling operation.
The US also plans to officially label a group it says is led by Maduro as a terrorist organization.
Venezuela denies these claims and thinks the US is using the military presence to try and change their government.
US President Donald Trump said he would speak to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro 'at some point'.
Trump stated that the US 'has to take care of Venezuela' but did not rule out sending troops to the country.
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier arrived in the Caribbean for 'Operation Southern Spear', an anti-smuggling campaign.
The US State Department plans to designate 'Cartel de los Soles' as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging ties to Maduro.
Venezuela rejects US accusations and believes the military presence is a pretext for regime change.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, 'Cartel de los Soles', US military personnel
- What
- Trump's comments on potential talks and troop deployment, US military build-up in the Caribbean, planned designation of 'Cartel de los Soles' as a foreign terrorist organization
- When
- November 18, 2025 (Trump's comments), ongoing (US military build-up and planned designation)
- Where
- Caribbean Sea, Venezuela, United States
- Why
- To curb drug smuggling into the US (official reason), potential regime change in Venezuela (Venezuelan perspective)
US Administration Stance
Venezuelan Government Stance
Designation of Cartel de los Soles
US Administration Stance
The US plans to formally classify the 'Cartel de los Soles' as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging it is directly tied to Venezuelan President Maduro and other senior officials, and works with other cartels to traffic drugs and fuel violence.
Venezuelan Government Stance
Venezuela calls these accusations absurd and claims the US military presence in the Caribbean is a cover for regime change. Maduro denies leading the 'Cartel de los Soles'.
Purpose of US Military Presence
US Administration Stance
The US Department of Defense asserts the military build-up in the Caribbean is part of an anti-smuggling campaign to curb drug trafficking into the United States.
Venezuelan Government Stance
Venezuela believes the US military presence is a pretext to topple President Maduro, whom Washington calls an illegitimate leader.
- US Military Vessels in Caribbean
- USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, two guided-missile destroyers, support vessels and aircraft
- Planned Designation Date
- November 24, 2025
- Alleged Leadership of Cartel de los Soles
- Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Sources
US deploys most advanced aircraft carrier in Caribbean Sea – what it implies for Venezuela?
US Aircraft Carrier, 12,000 Troops Arrive In The Caribbean: What The New Naval Surge Means Amid Tensions With Venezuela
Most advanced US aircraft carrier arrives in Caribbean in major buildup near Venezuela
As Trump Sends Warships, Venezuela's Maduro Sings John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ Urging Peace | Watch
US Kills Three In Fresh Strike As Its Largest Warship Enters Caribbean Amid Venezuela Tensions
What The USS Gerald R Ford Signals To The Venezuelan Military - Inside Operation Southern Spear
Pentagon says it struck another suspected drug boat in Pacific, killing three
Pentagon says it struck another suspected drug boat in Pacific, killing three
Trump says he could have talks with Venezuela’s Maduro
Trump says open to talks with Maduro even as Washington slaps terror tag on his alleged cartel
Trump says US may open talks with Venezuela’s Maduro
US Deploys Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier, USS Gerald R Ford, In Caribbean
Trump says US ‘may have discussions’ with Venezuela’s Maduro amid military buildup in Caribbean
Pentagon confirms 21st strike on alleged drug boat, kills three in international waters. Watch video
