On November 17, 2025, President Trump of the United States stated on Sunday, November 16, that the U.S. “may be in discussions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro,” as the advanced U.S. aircraft carrier Ford arrived in the Caribbean, potentially opening a diplomatic pathway.
Trump mentioned in a media interview that “Venezuela wants to dialogue with the U.S.,” without revealing specific details. When asked about the meaning of “Maduro wants to dialogue” by the media, Trump only responded, “What does that mean? You tell me, I don’t know.”
A few minutes later, Trump added, “I am willing to talk with anyone, let’s see how it goes.”
The arrival of the Ford aircraft carrier in the Caribbean signifies the largest U.S. military presence in the region in decades, announcing that the anti-drug operation has entered a critical phase. The U.S. military’s “Operation Southern Spear” has involved nearly 12 ships and around 12,000 troops. This move is seen by the international community as an escalation of pressure on Maduro by Trump.
At the same time the carrier arrived, the U.S. military announced a deadly attack on a suspected drug-carrying boat. The Southern Command released a video on social media platform X on Sunday, showing the attack which took place in international waters off the Eastern Pacific, with the boat being destroyed and three deaths.
Since September, the U.S. has launched 21 attacks in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in the killing of at least 83 individuals.
The Venezuelan government has yet to respond to media inquiries.
Facing drug accusations by the U.S., Maduro has previously stated that the U.S. has “fabricated” a war against him.
Officials from neighboring Trinidad and Tobago have stated that the U.S. military has engaged in joint military exercises with their forces, expected to continue for a week. Trinidad and Tobago is just 7 miles away from Venezuela.
Sean Sobers, the Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, mentioned that this is the second joint military exercise within a month aimed at combating violent crime, as the country has become a transit point for drugs headed to North America and Europe. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has openly supported the U.S. military’s operations.
The U.S. troops participating in the exercises include Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, who have been stationed on ships off the Venezuelan coast for several months.
Meanwhile, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stated on Sunday that U.S. forces will continue training in Panama, highlighting Washington’s focus on Latin America.
Secretary Driscoll stated on the CBS program “Face the Nation,” “We are reactivating the Jungle School in Panama and are ready to execute the actions required by Trump and Defense Secretary Haggis.”
(Source: Reference to reporting by the Associated Press)