Donald Trump has delivered a blunt message to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro: step down immediately or face consequences.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he even offered safe passage for Maduro, his wife, and son if they resigned, as tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to escalate.
The warning comes amid a massive American military presence in the Caribbean, including 11 warships and 15,000 troops, some prepared for a potential land operation targeting alleged narco-terrorists.
Drone Strikes Heighten Tensions
The phone call between Trump and Maduro followed a series of lethal U.S. drone strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the region, which have reportedly killed over 80 people.
According to sources, Maduro asked for global amnesty and control over Venezuela’s armed forces in exchange for free elections—both proposals Trump rejected.
Maduro immediately dismissed the idea of resigning, while Caracas decried what it called U.S. preparations for an attack, insisting that Washington’s true goal is regime change rather than curbing drug trafficking.
Trump Defends Defense Secretary Amid Controversy
The conversation took place as scrutiny grows over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, following reports that a September strike included orders to kill all crew members involved in a targeted operation.
Lawmakers from both parties have flagged the potential legal ramifications, calling such orders a possible war crime.
Trump defended Hegseth, telling reporters, “He said he didn’t do it, so I don’t have to make that decision,” but also added the administration would investigate further, emphasizing that he would not have approved a second strike.
Hegseth has strongly denied wrongdoing, calling reports “fake news” and insisting that all operations are fully compliant with U.S. and international law.
U.S. Military Buildup in the Caribbean
The military buildup has been substantial. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group arrived in August, followed by the massive USS Gerald R. Ford carrier in November, bringing more than 4,000 sailors and fighter jets into the region.
The Pentagon refers to the mission as “Operation Southern Spear,” citing the goal of curbing drug trafficking, while also signaling the capability for more aggressive action if needed.
Trump recently indicated that operations could soon target traffickers on land, telling troops, “It’s easier to intercept potential drug traffickers on land, and that will start very soon.”
Maduro and the Cartel de Los Soles
The U.S. government has increasingly focused on Venezuela’s alleged criminal networks, particularly the so-called Cartel de Los Soles, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Washington claims the cartel is composed of high-ranking officials following Maduro who are implicated in corruption, drug trafficking, and terrorist acts.
Venezuela and allied nations dispute the existence of such an organization, arguing that the label is simply a political tool to justify U.S. intervention.
International Reactions and Political Stakes
Trump has suggested Maduro could leave Venezuela for Russia or another country, a claim echoed by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin.
Meanwhile, Maduro continues to maintain control through military loyalty, with officers holding high government positions.
The Venezuelan leader has also mobilized millions of civilians in militia training programs, though much of the military’s equipment is outdated.
High Stakes and Uncertainty
The situation remains tense, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
Trump’s administration insists on stopping drug trafficking and targeting narco-terrorists, while Caracas views U.S. actions as a prelude to regime change.
The coming weeks could prove pivotal, as U.S. forces remain deployed and diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.
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