Growing tension in Latin America took a new turn after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed that he spoke directly with U.S. President Donald Trump in a phone call held ten days earlier. The revelation comes at a sensitive moment, as Washington reinforces its military presence in the Caribbean and conducts lethal operations at sea, while Caracas interprets the buildup as a bid to destabilize Maduro’s government and Venezuela’s oil-rich landscape. Trump acknowledged the call days earlier but offered no insight into its substance, leaving the diplomatic temperature between the two nations uncertain.
Maduro calls the exchange “respectful” and “cordial”
Maduro said on state television that he spoke with the U.S. president in what he described as a courteous exchange. “I spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. I can say that the conversation was respectful, and I can even say that it was cordial,” he said.
The Venezuelan leader added that if the call signaled a step toward “respectful dialogue, state to state, country to country,” his government would welcome diplomatic engagement, emphasizing that Venezuela would “always seek peace.”
U.S. naval presence fuels regional unease
Since August, the United States has deployed warships—along with the world’s largest aircraft carrier—to the Caribbean. According to Washington, the operation targets drug trafficking networks; U.S. forces have struck at least 22 vessels, resulting in 83 deaths.
Maduro, however, has framed the mission as an effort to topple his leftist administration and ultimately gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Trump acknowledges the call but avoids details
Trump confirmed the conversation on Sunday but declined to elaborate. Asked about reports suggesting the call included discussions on a potential meeting or possible amnesty terms should Maduro step aside, Trump responded only: “I wouldn’t say it went well or badly. It was a phone call.”
Washington’s accusations escalate pressure
The United States has accused Maduro of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns, which Washington designated a terrorist organization on November 24. The U.S. has also offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture, further intensifying the already fraught relationship between the two governments.
