Trump warns Maduro not to ‘play tough’ as China, Russia back Venezuela
Al Jazeera
Latest threat comes as US Coast Guard continues to pursue a third oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
United States President Donald Trump has issued a new warning to Nicolas Maduro, saying “it would be smart” for the Venezuelan leader to leave power, as Washington escalates a pressure campaign against Caracas.
The warning on Monday came as Russia pledged “full support” for Maduro’s government and China condemned the US’s seizure of two oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela.
Trump, speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida alongside his top national security aides, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggested that he remains ready to further escalate his four-month pressure campaign.
When asked if the goal was to force Maduro from power, Trump told reporters: “Well, I think it probably would… That’s up to him what he wants to do. I think it’d be smart for him to do that. But again, we’re gonna find out.”
“If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough,” he added.
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