Trump Signals Imminent Meetings with Venezuelan Leaders as US‑Venezuela Relations Shift

Washington, Jan 2026 : US President Donald Trump said Friday that he expects to meet with representatives of Venezuela’s current leadership soon, indicating a possible diplomatic engagement following recent shifts in US‑Venezuela relations. Trump spoke with reporters at the White House, expressing optimism about the evolving relationship and suggesting that direct discussions could happen in the near term.

Trump said discussions with Venezuelan figures were “probably pretty soon,” though no formal date had been set. He noted that the relationship between Washington and those now running Venezuela has improved significantly, suggesting that this shift has opened avenues for dialogue. “We’re dealing with the people from Venezuela… We’re dealing with them very well,” he said, framing the engagement as positive and constructive.

The president alluded to recent US military pressure and strategy, hinting that Washington had deliberately chosen to avoid further escalation even when it had the capability to do so. “Frankly, that whole place could have been obliterated with one more strike, and we didn’t want to do that,” he said, suggesting the US is prioritizing stability over conflict.

While Trump did not specify which Venezuelan officials he planned to meet, he confirmed that an opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize recipient was expected to visit Washington soon. He indicated that her visit — expected within days — could take place early next week, possibly on Tuesday or Wednesday. Trump said this meeting would involve discussions about Venezuela’s political future.

“I will be meeting with various representatives of Venezuela, probably pretty soon,” Trump reiterated, emphasising that these meetings form part of broader engagement efforts. He added that the Nobel laureate’s involvement in discussions could shape follow‑on dialogue about the future direction of Venezuela’s governance.

Trump characterised the US approach as deliberate and calibrated, aimed at avoiding chaos while encouraging positive developments in Venezuela. He stressed that Washington does not seek destabilisation but rather stability and cooperation. “We don’t want to see destabilisation in the country,” he said, noting that previous actions have drawn global attention and fostered optimism in the region.

The president said recent developments would be welcome news across South America, where he believes his administration’s actions have sparked hope for a peaceful transition. He described the transformations in Venezuela as significant, stating that the country’s response thus far had been positive.

Trump emphasised that future engagement will focus on stability and cooperation rather than conflict, underlining that diplomatic channels remain open and active. “We’re dealing with them very smart,” he said, signalling that Washington intends to use negotiation and strategic dialogue as the primary means of engagement moving forward.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)