Talks Suggested

President Trump said that the US may hold discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Context

The Trump Administration has been waging an intensifying pressure campaign against Venezuela since September, conducting strikes on boats it accused of drug trafficking and deploying thousands of troops to the Caribbean. The administration has not recognized Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader following last year's election and has accused him of ties to drug trafficking, which Maduro denies. Senior administration officials held meetings at the White House last week to discuss potential military operations against Venezuela, including strikes inside the country.

Potential Talks

Speaking to reporters on Sunday in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said the US "may be having some discussions" with Maduro and that Venezuela "would like to talk." He offered no details about what negotiations might entail or when they could occur.