Trump warns Maduro: Step down or face force, WSJ reports
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump warned Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro that force could be used if he does not step down voluntarily, according to The Wall Street Journal.
According to the publication's sources, in the phone conversation the presidents discussed demands for amnesty for Nicolás Maduro, his aides, and their family members. They are currently included in US sanctions lists and face criminal prosecution in the country.
It was previously reported about the phone conversation between the US and Venezuelan presidents.
It is noted that the conversation took place a few days before the State Department recognized the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. US authorities believe the cartel is led by Nicolás Maduro.
US-Venezuela conflict
The day before, Trump stated that the US would "very soon" begin measures to stop the suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers on land.
Earlier, Reuters reported that Donald Trump's administration plans to launch a new stage of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days.
However, journalists were unable to determine the exact timing or scale of the new operations, or whether Trump had made a final decision to act.
Earlier, Trump ordered the deployment of the "Southern Spear" operation in the Western Hemisphere (effectively near Venezuela).
Since returning to power in 2025, the US president has stated that one of his priorities is fighting drugs, including fentanyl. He has identified Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro as the main "drug lord."
