Trump Signals Talks with Maduro Amid U.S. Military Buildup in Caribbean

By Val Matthias. Updated 3:02 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

US President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of opening talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, even as Washington intensifies its military presence in the Caribbean.

According to Euronews, Trump made the remarks on Sunday before boarding Air Force One in Florida, saying his administration was considering diplomatic engagement with Caracas. The report noted that this comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions, with the US expanding naval and air deployments near Venezuelan waters.

The Euronews article highlighted that Trump’s comments mark a potential shift in tone, as his administration has previously pursued a hardline stance against Maduro’s government. The military build-up, however, underscores Washington’s continued pressure, raising concerns about escalation in the region.

Regional analysts quoted in the report warned that the dual signals—military expansion alongside talk of dialogue—could complicate diplomatic efforts. Maduro has long accused the US of attempting regime change, while Washington insists its operations target narcotics trafficking and regional security threats.

Trump’s suggestion of talks with Maduro, reported by Euronews, comes at a time when US military activity in the Caribbean is expanding, leaving regional observers questioning whether diplomacy or confrontation will define the next phase of US–Venezuela relations.

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