Trump and Maduro spoke by phone last week to discuss a possible meeting in the United States, even as the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean intensifies. In a major development amidst escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan le

Trump and Maduro spoke by phone last week to discuss a possible meeting in the United States, even as the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean intensifies. In a major development amidst escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro
Key Developments
Secret Phone Call and Meeting Discussions: The two leaders held a phone conversation last week (late November 2025), a surprising diplomatic turn given years of hostility. They discussed the possibility of a face-to-face meeting in the U.S., though no firm plans have been set.
Military Escalation and Threats: The U.S. has amassed a significant military presence (including an aircraft carrier) in the Caribbean in an operation dubbed “Southern Spear,” ostensibly to combat drug trafficking.Trump announced on Saturday, November 29, 2025, that Venezuelan airspace would be shut “in its entirety”.
He also threatened land-based operations against alleged drug traffickers “very soon”. The U.S. has already conducted over 20 strikes on alleged drug boats since September, killing dozens.
Maduro has responded with strong rhetoric, brandishing Simón Bolívar’s sword at a rally and promoting military readiness exercises to defend against a potential U.S. offensive, which Caracas views as a pretext for regime change.

Terrorist Designation: The U.S. State Department officially designated the “Cartel de los Soles” (which the administration claims is led by Maduro and senior government officials) as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), a move that provides Washington with new options for pressure.
$50 Million Bounty: The U.S. has doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction to an unprecedented $50 million on narco-terrorism charges.
Maduro’s Offers: Reports indicate that Maduro attempted to stave off pressure in recent months by offering U.S. companies a dominant stake in Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth, an offer Trump reportedly rejected in October.
Covert Actions: The Trump administration has authorized covert CIA operations within Venezuela.
The situation remains highly volatile, balancing potential high-level diplomacy with the real risk of direct military confrontation.

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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 29, 2025