Trump claims that Maduro’s resignation from Venezuela would be “smart”
Trump has stated that as the US tightens its oil sanctions, it would be “smart” for Maduro to step down.
Amid growing tensions between Washington and Caracas, US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, saying it would be “smart” for him to step out.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump hinted that Maduro would eventually be forced out of office as a result of the escalating US activities against Venezuela, but he insisted that the Venezuelan president had the last say. Trump stated, “That’s up to him what he wants to do.” I believe that’s a wise move on his part. Again, though, we will find out.
Maduro’s continuous disobedience will have dire repercussions, Trump warned, adding that if the Venezuelan leader “plays tough,” it might be the last time.
The comments coincide with an intensified US pressure campaign that has included a greater military presence in the area and a number of military actions directed at ships suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean close to Venezuela. The attacks have reportedly claimed the lives of over 100 people.
In keeping with the plan, Trump has now declared a “total and complete” ban on sanctioned oil vessels coming into or going out of Venezuela. The US Coast Guard followed an oil tanker over the weekend in international waters close to the nation; if successful, this would be the third such operation in less than two weeks.
According to Trump, the oil that is taken during these operations may be used to restock America’s strategic petroleum reserves, and the country may choose to sell or keep it. He remarked, “We might sell it, or we might keep it.”
At the same press conference, Trump attacked Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying he was anti-American and connected Colombia to the smuggling of cocaine into the US. “The US is not friends with him. He is awful. Very terrible man. Given that he manufactures cocaine and ships it to the US, he ought to watch his ass,” Trump remarked of Petro. After a year of tense ties between the two presidents, the remarks were made.
Maduro responded by denouncing Trump’s remarks without mentioning him by stating that world leaders ought to concentrate on their own domestic issues. During a phone conversation with Trump last month, Maduro stated: “Every nation should take care of its own internal affairs.”
With Venezuela once more at the center of a harsh US foreign policy approach under Trump’s administration, the most recent exchange highlights growing diplomatic and military tensions in the area.
