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President Trump has halted diplomatic discussions with Venezuela in his attempt to end drug and drug trafficking operating in the United States, according to a report by The New York Times.
The outlet cited US officials and claimed that Trump has closed the door on negotiations, possibly backing away from military action against drug traffickers, cartel ships or the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
According to the report, Richard Grenell, the special presidential envoy who has been leading talks with Maduro, was informed on October 2. Diplomatic contact must stop.
Trump says “we’ll see what happens” when asked about the possibility of striking Venezuela amid rising tensions
President Nicolás Maduro speaks during a press conference after testifying before the electoral chamber at the headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) on August 2, 2024 (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
During a meeting with senior military leaders, Trump reportedly called Mr. Grenell directly and delivered the new order.
The president reportedly felt impatient with what the administration perceived as Venezuelan racism.
Reports said that in September, Maduro wrote a letter to Trump and denied that Venezuela had trafficked drugs. He offered further negotiations with the United States through Grenell.
Officials also said New York Times The president was frustrated by Maduro’s refusal to step down voluntarily.
Venezuelan military aircraft invade US Navy ship in ‘highly provocative’ move, Pentagon says.
A shipping container carrying 400 pounds of cocaine was discovered off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago in March 2025. (US Treasury Department)
The Trump administration has accused Maduro of overseeing a “Narco state,” framing him for drug trafficking and offering a $50 million reward for his arrest.
Senior officials said several plans have been put in place, including possible operations aimed at removing Maduro from power.
Trump wins the strike, while Maduro launches a military “threat” against Venezuela
The DEA in Atlanta has seized more than 1,000 pounds of meth linked to the Jalisco cartel’s violent new generation. (Fox News)
Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio has described Maduro as a “fugitive from American justice” and an “illegitimate leader” in the past.
Trump’s latest move comes amid escalating US military activity and strikes against supposed cartel boats near Venezuelan waters.
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Last month, the administration formally informed Congress that the United States was engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, identifying cartel members as “unlawful combatants.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.