Trump says he will speak with Maduro soon as US signals deeper role in Venezuela – Firstpost

President Donald Trump said Friday he hopes to speak soon with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as the United States continues to demonstrate a significant military presence in the region.

“I will be talking to him in the near future,” Trump said. fox news in an interview.

He refused to reveal the essence of the planned conversation, saying only: “I can’t tell you what I’m going to tell them, but I have something special to say.”

Pressed for more details, Trump declined to elaborate, but said the United States would be “very much involved” in developments around Venezuela.

US officials have briefed the president about possible military options inside the country, although Trump has also suggested he is open to diplomatic avenues, indicating that increased pressure could convince Maduro to step down without the need for direct intervention.

Washington has accused President Nicolas Maduro of running a “terrorist” drug cartel – a charge he strongly rejects.

For its part, Venezuela claims the United States is attempting to force regime change in Caracas, pointing to a recent military buildup that includes an aircraft carrier group, warships and several stealth jets.

with inputs from agencies