Trump considers talks with Venezuela's Maduro even as U.S. ramps up military pressure

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Sunday he may hold talks with Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, even as the United States intensified its military pressure with the latest strike on an alleged drug boat and the arrival of its most advanced aircraft carrier

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Sunday he may hold talks with Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, even as the United States intensified its military pressure with the latest strike on an alleged drug boat and the arrival of its most advanced aircraft carrier.

The suggestion of a possible diplomatic path to defuse the mounting tensions with the South American country came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. would designate the Cartel de los Soles, a group Washington alleges is run by Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization.

The designation, set to take effect on Nov. 24, puts the cartel among the likes of Hamas and the Islamic State group. It allows the U.S. government to seize its assets and makes it unlawful to provide “material support” to the group.

Maduro denies having any ties to the drug trade, accusing the U.S. of “fabricating” a war against him.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One late Sunday, Trump indicated the U.S. “may be having some discussions with Maduro,” adding that “they would like to talk.” He did not elaborate further on the possibility of talks.