Residents of Venezuela are weighing in on heightened diplomatic strains with the United States following a rare phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The exchange, confirmed by Trump on November 30, occurred amid a significant U.S. military deployment to the region under counter-narcotics operations.
While Trump declined to characterize the call’s outcome, analysts suggest the dialogue marks an unexpected shift in bilateral engagement. “This is uncharted territory,” said Caracas-based political observer Luisa Marquez. “Many here view the military presence as disproportionate to the stated anti-drug mission.”
CGTN correspondent Stephen Gibbs reported widespread public skepticism in Venezuela, with street vendors and business owners expressing concerns about potential economic fallout. The U.S. has maintained sanctions against Maduro’s administration since 2019, though recent months have seen intensified naval patrols near Venezuelan waters.
Regional security experts note the developments coincide with broader Latin American debates about foreign military interventions. As of December 1, neither government has disclosed further details about operational timelines or diplomatic next steps.
