Trump says it would be ‘smart’ for Venezuela’s Maduro to step down
United States President Donald Trump has said it would be “smart” for Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro to step down amid rising tensions between Washington and Caracas. Speaking to reporters at his Mar a Lago resort in Florida, Trump said the decision ultimately rests with Maduro but warned that defiance would carry serious consequences. Asked whether US actions were aimed at forcing Maduro from power, Trump replied that it would probably be wise for the Venezuelan leader to leave office. He added that if Maduro “plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough,” in one of his starkest warnings yet. The comments come as US naval forces step up operations around Venezuela, including a tightened maritime blockade targeting the country’s oil shipments. Washington has also carried out more than two dozen strikes on vessels it accuses […]
