BugBuffalo
Well-known member
President Trump on Friday confirmed a New York Times report that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had offered the US control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves and other natural resources in exchange for an end to US sanctions and military actions against the country. However, the offer was rejected by Trump, who believes it is nothing more than a ploy by Maduro to avoid "f***ing around" with the United States.
Trump made the comments during a meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, just two days after authorizing the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The US has been intensifying pressure on Venezuela in recent months, with deadly strikes off the coast of the country and accusations that Maduro is leading a massive drug cartel.
The Trump administration claims that Venezuelan ships suspected of carrying illicit cargo have been targeted by US naval vessels. One such vessel was hit last Thursday, resulting in the deaths of over two dozen people, who are now being held on board a US Navy ship.
When asked why he authorized CIA operations in Venezuela, Trump cited "two reasons": the need to stop Maduro's alleged trafficking of drugs into the US, and the fact that Venezuelans have been releasing their prisoners into the country. The offer by Maduro is seen as a last-ditch attempt to secure relief from US sanctions, which have crippled Venezuela's economy.
The situation in Venezuela remains volatile, with Trump's administration building up military presence in the Caribbean, including eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and fighter jets. There are also an estimated 10,000 US troops stationed in Puerto Rico, part of a broader effort to combat what Trump describes as a massive drug smuggling operation into the United States.
Trump made the comments during a meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, just two days after authorizing the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The US has been intensifying pressure on Venezuela in recent months, with deadly strikes off the coast of the country and accusations that Maduro is leading a massive drug cartel.
The Trump administration claims that Venezuelan ships suspected of carrying illicit cargo have been targeted by US naval vessels. One such vessel was hit last Thursday, resulting in the deaths of over two dozen people, who are now being held on board a US Navy ship.
When asked why he authorized CIA operations in Venezuela, Trump cited "two reasons": the need to stop Maduro's alleged trafficking of drugs into the US, and the fact that Venezuelans have been releasing their prisoners into the country. The offer by Maduro is seen as a last-ditch attempt to secure relief from US sanctions, which have crippled Venezuela's economy.
The situation in Venezuela remains volatile, with Trump's administration building up military presence in the Caribbean, including eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and fighter jets. There are also an estimated 10,000 US troops stationed in Puerto Rico, part of a broader effort to combat what Trump describes as a massive drug smuggling operation into the United States.
. Like, come on dude, it's not that hard to understand the offer from Maduro was a desperate attempt to get out of sanctions. And no, releasing prisoners isn't gonna cut it - we're talking millions of people struggling to survive here. And btw, did you see those vids of US ships "accidentally" hitting Venezuelan vessels? Looks like a setup to me 
. Eight warships and a nuke sub in the Caribbean? That's just asking for trouble...
it's not like they're asking for much, just some economic relief so venezuela can recover from their crisis. but nope, trump's all like "no way, we'll never back down" 
it's just going to make things worse, more people are going to die because of this senseless war 
and what's the point of all these military ships in the caribbean? is it really that hard to just negotiate with maduro like a normal human being? 
. And what's with all these accusations against Maduro? Can't we just have a proper dialogue instead of resorting to military action 
?
... it's just too much.
. Maduro might have made a mistake by offering what he did, but at least he tried, right? It feels like the US is just going after Venezuela with guns blazing and no clear plan 
.
. Can't we find a way to work together instead of fueling this cycle of violence? 
And we're still gonna keep messing with him? 
I mean, I get why Trump doesn't want to give in, but is it really worth risking more bloodshed in the Caribbean? 
It feels like a never-ending cycle of drama and tension... what's next? 
[GIF: a cartoon image of a man holding his head with a "what is he thinking?" expression]
. And on top of that, the US is basically setting up traps everywhere, like with those naval vessels targeting suspected drug cargo ships... what's next, just invade the country already?! 
... seems fishy to me... We're gonna believe he's just trying to get rid of us?