WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump held a phone call last week with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in which the two discussed the possibility of meeting in the United States, according to reporting from the New York Times. People familiar with the call told the paper that Secretary of State Marco Rubio also joined the conversation, though officials emphasized that no firm plans were made.
The outreach comes as the Trump administration continues portraying Maduro as an illegitimate leader tied to the so-called Cartel de los Soles, an allegation the Venezuelan government rejects and independent analysts say lacks solid evidence. The State Department’s designation of the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization took effect days after the reported call.
The discussion occurred against the backdrop of an expanding U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. Reuters previously reported that the Pentagon has authorized covert Central Intelligence Agency operations and conducted nearly two dozen strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels since early September. Two U.S. officials told the outlet that removing Maduro from power — potentially by force — remains under consideration.
Neither the White House nor Venezuelan officials responded to requests for comment. Trump has repeatedly suggested that future strikes could target land-based sites, saying recently, “The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon.” Administration officials told Reuters that Trump continues to support military and diplomatic paths simultaneously.
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