Trump says U.S. reviewing all options on Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is not ruling out any options regarding Venezuela, including a possible ground operation. He made the comments while answering questions from reporters at the White House.

“I’m not ruling anything out. We just need to take care of Venezuela,” Trump said.

He also said he is open to speaking with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, despite what he described as “the enormous damage” Venezuela has caused the United States by “sending drugs and prisoners” across the border.

According to CNN, Trump has not yet decided whether a ground operation is necessary. Amid a buildup of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, he hopes Washington’s pressure may force Maduro to step down without direct intervention.

CNN reports that Trump has received three days of briefings outlining various scenarios — from targeted strikes on military and government sites to special forces missions. One of the options still under consideration is a complete rejection of military action. Trump is acting cautiously, weighing the risks to U.S. troops and the likelihood of success.

He is also aware of criticism from allies who argue that foreign policy is consuming too much attention at the expense of domestic priorities. It remains unclear what signals Washington has received from Caracas regarding willingness to reengage diplomatically. A month earlier, Trump ordered all contacts with Maduro to be halted after the Venezuelan leader refused to leave office voluntarily.