OAN Staff Blake Wolf 11: 16 AM Monday, November 17, 2025 President Donald Trump has indicated openness to discussions with socialist Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as the United States continues its military buildup in the Caribbean. While speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, ahead of boarding Air Force One. He indicated openness to diplomatic engagement with the Venezuelan president amid heightened U. S. military deployments in the Caribbean, including the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and ongoing strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels linked to Venezuelan cartels. President Trump left the door open for diplomacy, while also keeping the option of military force on the table. In addition, the GOP Commander-in-Chief noted that his administration is set to designate the “Cartel de los Soles” as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), explaining that the U. S. believes it is run by Maduro-an action that allows the United States to target his assets or infrastructure legally. The U. S. State Department stated it “intends to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective November 24, 2025.” This action, under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, enables the U. S. to use military force against the group’s assets without a formal declaration of war, including targeting infrastructure linked to drug trafficking or terrorism. “It allows us to do that,” Trump stated, referencing the Venezuelan FTO designation. “But we haven’t said we’re going to do that blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments! Sponsored Content Below Share this post!.
https://www.oann.com/newsroom/trump-u-s-is-open-to-having-some-discussions-with-maduro-amid-military-activity-surrounding-venezuela/