23.12.2025 06:45
U.S. President Donald Trump, pointing out that there is a "massive American fleet" around Venezuela, addressed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, saying, "He can do whatever he wants. If he plays tough, this will be the last time he can play tough."
U.S. President Donald Trump evaluated the U.S.-Venezuela tension to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he spent the New Year holiday.
Trump claimed that Venezuela sends a large number of illegal immigrants and criminal individuals to the U.S., and he also stated that a significant amount of drugs comes from this country and that they will prevent it.
"IT'S UP TO HIM WHAT HE WANTS TO DO"
In response to the question of whether the ultimate goal of the U.S. is to remove Maduro from office, Trump said, "That would probably be the case. I can't know. It's up to him what he wants to do. It would be wise for him to do that. We'll see, we will see."
"IF HE PLAYS HARD, THIS WILL BE HIS LAST TIME"
Trump, who indirectly "threatened" Maduro, stated, "He can do whatever he wants. If he plays hard, this will be his last time he can play hard. We have the largest fleet we have ever had in South America."
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO TARGET THE BOATS"
Trump emphasized that they will continue to target boats they believe are involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and will also continue to seize "sanctioned" oil tankers from Venezuela. He mentioned that they will hold onto the oil from the last seized oil tanker and claimed they can use this oil as they wish.
"PETRO SHOULD BE CAREFUL TOO"
Trump claimed that Colombia also produces cocaine and sends it to the U.S., stating, "There are drug factories there. They produce cocaine in Colombia. (Colombian President Gustavo Petro) should be careful because he produces cocaine and sends it to the United States."