Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has called on Donald Trump to end his “illegal warmongering” and engage in “serious talks” with his government, as questions remain about a reported CIA airstrike on Venezuela just before Christmas.
In an hour-long television interview, Maduro did not confirm reports of the apparent U.S. attack, which would be the first on Venezuelan soil since Trump began a five-month campaign of military pressure in August. “This could be something we talk about in a few days,” Maduro told Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet. The interview was conducted as Maduro drove through the streets of Caracas, seemingly to project calm amid U.S. pressure.
During what he called the “pod car” broadcast, Maduro passed his childhood home and the church where he was baptized and had his first communion. “Caracas looks so beautiful,” he remarked, urging U.S. voters to consider whether they want Trump to lead them into a South American version of the Iraq War.
Maduro dismissed U.S. claims that he leads a “narco-terrorist” organization flooding America with drugs, a justification used for Trump’s campaign. He suggested Washington’s real goal is to control Venezuela’s resources, such as oil, gold, and rare-earth metals.
“Since they can’t accuse me or Venezuela of having weapons of mass destruction… or nuclear missiles… or chemical weapons… they have invented a claim that the U.S. knows is as false as the one about weapons of mass destruction that led them into a forever war,” Maduro said. “I believe that we need to set all this aside and start serious talks.”
He added, “The U.S. government knows… that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready. If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.”
Last month, The New York Times reported that Maduro has been sleeping in different locations and switching phones to avoid capture or death by U.S. forces. When asked about the impact of Trump’s pressure on his well-being, Maduro appeared unconcerned. “I have a foolproof bunker: almighty God,” he replied. “I have entrusted Venezuela to our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.”
Maduro’s pre-recorded interview followed Trump’s statement on Monday that the U.S. struck a docking facility used by Venezuelan drug trafficking boats last month. U.S. media reports suggest the CIA was behind the drone strike.
If confirmed, this first land strike would mark a new phase in a campaign that has included deploying a large U.S. naval fleet, airstrikes on alleged drug traffickers, a “total blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers, the seizure of two vessels, and the pursuit of a third.
Maduro said his last conversation with Trump was a 10-minute call on November 21, which he described as cordial and respectful. “That conversation was enjoyable even, but since then the evolution has not been enjoyable,” he said, calling for “dialogue and diplomacy” between Washington and Caracas.
The interview was recorded on New Year’s Eve, the same day the U.S. military announced strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats. According to Trump administration figures, these latest attacks bring the total known boat strikes to 35, with at least 115 people killed, including Venezuelans.
Trump has defended the attacks as a necessary escalation to stop drugs from entering the U.S., asserting that Washington is in an “armed conflict.”The strikes began off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and later expanded to the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduros call for former US President Donald Trump to end illegal warmongering and engage in serious talks
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is this news about
This is about a public statement from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro directed at former US President Donald Trump Maduro is criticizing US policies toward Venezuela as aggressive and calling for diplomatic negotiations instead
2 What does illegal warmongering mean here
Maduro is accusing the US government of using illegal aggressive tacticslike severe economic sanctions support for political opponents and threats of military interventionto try to force a change in Venezuelas government which he claims is an act of political and economic warfare
3 Who is Maduro talking to Is Trump still president
No Donald Trump is not the current president Maduros statement is likely aimed at influencing US foreign policy recognizing Trump as a leading candidate in the upcoming election and appealing directly to his base and policy approach
4 What would serious talks be about
They would primarily focus on the US lifting economic sanctions on Venezuelas oil and financial sectors in exchange for guarantees from Venezuela on conditions like holding free and fair elections and providing humanitarian access
IntermediateLevel Questions
5 Why is Maduro doing this now
This is strategic timing With a close US election approaching Maduro is trying to shape the debate on Venezuela policy He may hope to encourage a candidate who has previously expressed skepticism about regimechange wars to adopt a more dealoriented approach with his administration
6 What is the recent context between the US and Venezuela
Relations have been hostile for years The US does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president and recognizes opposition figure Juan Guaidó Under President Biden there was a temporary easing of some oil sanctions after Maduros government and the opposition agreed to an electoral roadmap but those sanctions were reimposed when Maduro failed to fully comply
7 What are the main US sanctions on Venezuela
The core sanctions block Venezuelas state oil company PDVSA from accessing US markets and the global financial system crippling the countrys main source of income
