‘I’d Be Proud To Do It’: Trump Open To Strikes In Mexico, Says Talks Possible With Maduro

Last Updated:November 18, 2025, 1:07 pm IST

Donald Trump said he would be “ok” with authorizing US strikes in Mexico to stop drug trafficking networks.

US President Donald Trump signaled that he is open to both military action and diplomacy in the United States’ dealings with Latin America, saying he would be willing to approve strikes inside Mexico while also expressing readiness to speak to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. His comments come amid a growing American military presence in the Caribbean and escalating tensions across the region.

Donald Trump said he expected to speak with Nicolas Maduro “at a certain period of time,” a notable shift after years of hostility between Washington and Caracas. But the US President struck a very different note on Mexico, saying he would be “ok” with authorizing US strikes across the border to stop drug trafficking networks.

“It’s ok with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs,” Donald Trump said.

He added that he was not announcing any imminent action, but said, “I’d be proud to do it,” insisting such strikes would save American lives.

Nicolas Maduro responded by saying he was ready to speak “face to face” with anyone in the United States willing to engage Venezuela. Caracas has repeatedly accused Washington of preparing for regime change, pointing to an expanding American military footprint that includes warships, stealth aircraft and an aircraft carrier group stationed in the region.

Washington, meanwhile, accuses the Venezuelan leader of overseeing a “terrorist” drug operation- an allegation Nicolas Maduro rejects. Since September this year, US forces have carried out airstrikes on boats in international waters, killing more than 80 people accused of transporting drugs. American marines have also begun a second round of military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago, a country located barely ten kilometres from the Venezuelan coast.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar moved to calm regional speculation, saying her government would not allow its territory to be used for any attack on Venezuela. She added that the United States had never requested such access.

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