Trump Says the U.S. May Hold Talks With Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro Amid Rising Caribbean Tensions

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  Newsroom

• November 17, 2025

• Newsroom

Trump Says the U.S. May Hold Talks With Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro Amid Rising Caribbean Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday (Nov. 16) that Washington “may be having some discussions” with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, signaling a potential shift in U.S.–Venezuela relations after years of open hostility.

Speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, before boarding Air Force One, Trump said that “Maduro would like to talk” and that the United States is considering opening a diplomatic channel “to see how it goes.”

Context behind Trump’s statement

According to Reuters, the signal comes as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier as part of operations officially described as anti-narcotics.

The Associated Press reports that Washington continues to express concern over alleged illegal activities involving members of the Venezuelan leadership, while Caracas accuses the United States of attempting to pressure and destabilize the Maduro government.

What could happen next

• A diplomatic opening may help reduce the risk of military escalation.

• Any talks could address issues such as sanctions, regional security, humanitarian access, and migration.

• Despite signaling openness, U.S. officials continue holding internal meetings regarding potential military options toward Venezuela, Reuters notes.

Why it matters

Any thaw in U.S.–Venezuela relations would have immediate global implications:

• energy security,

• regional political stability,

• migration patterns,

• and the geopolitical balance involving U.S., Russia, China, and Iran.

While not a formal policy shift, Trump’s comments indicate a new phase where military pressure and diplomatic dialogue may coexist.