Donald Trump has confirmed that he recently held a phone conversation with Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, though he declined to share any details about what was discussed. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged the call, saying only: “I don’t want to comment on it. The answer is yes,” while adding that it was simply “a phone call” without indicating whether it was positive or negative.
The confirmation comes at a time of heightened friction between the US and Venezuela. Trump recently stated that the airspace around Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety,” a remark that created uncertainty in Caracas as pressure continues to mount on Maduro’s government. When asked if his comments signaled imminent military action, Trump dismissed the speculation, saying: “Don’t read anything into it.”
US officials have accused Maduro of links to illegal drug trafficking, an allegation he strongly denies. Recent US military operations targeting suspected drug boats in the Caribbean have sparked concern among human rights groups, who argue that the strikes may constitute unlawful actions and could violate international law.
Trump also said he would review reports that a second strike in the Caribbean may have killed survivors of an earlier operation, noting that such an outcome would not have been his intention. Venezuelan leaders, including senior members of Maduro’s administration, have not publicly commented on the call. Officials in Caracas instead focused on announcing a parliamentary investigation into US maritime operations in the region.