Trump Hints at Maduro Talks as USS Ford Bolsters Caribbean Force

 

 

President Donald Trump hinted at possible U.S. talks with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on November 16, 2025, amid the USS Gerald R. Ford's arrival in the Caribbean, escalating Operation Southern Spear—the largest U.S. military buildup in Latin America in decades. Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said, “We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out,” adding, “I’ll talk to anybody.” The carrier, with 5,000 personnel, F-35 jets, and destroyers, joins nearly a dozen ships and 12,000 sailors/Marines to combat "narco-terrorism." Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta called it vital for "protecting our nation’s security."

 

The deployment coincides with a deadly U.S. strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing three and bringing September-November totals to 83 deaths in 21 attacks. Maduro, facing U.S. narcoterrorism charges and a $50 million bounty, decried the moves as a "fabricated war," mobilizing troops and civilians. On X, users mocked Maduro's potential negotiations, with one quipping Trump delayed action to "jijearse" (mock) him.

 

Joint U.S. exercises launched in Trinidad and Tobago (7 miles from Venezuela) and Panama, focusing on crime and jungle training, drew Venezuelan condemnation as "aggression." Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to label the Cartel of the Suns—allegedly led by Maduro—a foreign terrorist organization effective November 24, criminalizing support. Trump insists operations target drugs, not regime change, though experts like Elizabeth Dickinson see it as intimidation to force Maduro's exit. Regional leaders, the UN, and U.S. lawmakers criticize the strikes' transparency and legality.

 

Key Takeaways (3 points):

• Trump signals potential Maduro talks amid USS Ford's Caribbean arrival and 12,000+ troop buildup.
• U.S. strikes kill 83 in drug boat attacks since September; Rubio to designate Maduro-linked cartel as terrorists.
• Exercises in Trinidad, Panama heighten tensions; experts view carrier as regime pressure tactic.

Source: AP

Sooner or later, they all come to kiss Uncle Sams big fat overweight arrogant ass.