Former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he recently spoke with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, marking the latest unexpected development in the tense relationship between Washington and Caracas.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged the conversation but refused to elaborate.
“I don’t want to comment on it. The answer is yes,” he said when asked directly about the call.
A Call Amid Rising Tensions
The confirmation followed reporting by The New York Times, which stated that the two leaders discussed the possibility of a U.S. meeting later this month. This comes at a moment when Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Maduro’s government, while simultaneously leaving the door open for diplomatic engagement.
On Saturday, Trump declared that airspace “above and around Venezuela” should be considered “closed in its entirety,” triggering concern among Venezuelan officials and civilians. He declined to clarify whether the statement suggested imminent military action.
When questioned about potential strikes, Trump dismissed speculation:
“Don’t read anything into it.”
For readers seeking background on U.S.–Venezuela diplomatic history, the U.S. Department of State provides an overview of bilateral relations. Meanwhile, Maduro’s government profile and past policy positions can be found in public archives through Britannica’s entry on Nicolás Maduro.
Washington’s Strategic Pressure Campaign
The Trump administration has continued weighing several Venezuela-related operations, citing allegations that Maduro is tied to illegal drug trafficking — claims the Venezuelan president firmly denies. U.S. officials have considered actions ranging from expanded sanctions to more covert pressure.
Reuters previously reported that U.S. military forces in the Caribbean have been engaged in months of operations targeting suspected drug-carrying boats near Venezuela’s coast. Trump has even authorized intelligence-based activities led by the CIA to counter narcotics networks linked to the region.
Last week, Trump told military personnel that the United States would begin “very soon” a new phase of land operations aimed at stopping suspected Venezuelan traffickers.
Caracas Response Unclear
Maduro has not publicly commented on the phone call. Venezuela’s National Assembly president, Jorge Rodríguez, declined to address the conversation during his Sunday press briefing. Instead, he announced a legislative investigation into U.S. boat strikes in Caribbean waters.
As both nations remain locked in a cycle of pressure, denial, and geopolitical maneuvering, the confirmation of the call adds a new layer of uncertainty to U.S.–Venezuelan relations.
