Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has struck a conciliatory tone toward U.S. President Donald Trump, proposing serious negotiations on combating drug trafficking and offering U.S. companies broad access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
In comments aired on state television on New Year’s Day, Maduro described Venezuela as a “brother country” to the United States and portrayed his government as friendly to Washington. He recalled a conversation with Trump in November in which the U.S. president addressed him as “Mr. President,” a reference Maduro highlighted as recognition of his authority.
The remarks were made in an interview filmed on New Year’s Eve and broadcast from a heavily militarised area of Caracas. During the programme, Maduro is shown walking with the interviewer through the secured zone before later driving a car himself, with the journalist in the passenger seat and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the back. Commentators interpreted the unusual staging as an effort to project confidence at a time when the president has reduced public appearances amid speculation about possible U.S. military action.
Maduro’s overture marks a shift in tone following heightened tensions between the two countries after the United States launched a significant military buildup in the southern Caribbean. Trump has repeatedly branded Maduro an “illegitimate” leader, accused him of running a narco-state and threatened to remove him from power. Maduro has consistently denied any links to criminal networks, arguing instead that Washington seeks to oust him to gain control of Venezuela’s oil and rare earth mineral wealth.
Just weeks earlier, Maduro had struck a more defiant note, urging Trump to focus on domestic issues and warning against interference in Venezuela’s affairs. In his latest remarks, however, he emphasised a willingness to engage, saying the two governments should “start to speak seriously, with the facts in hand.”
Maduro said Venezuela was ready to cooperate on drug trafficking if the United States was willing to engage in genuine dialogue. He also said his government was open to U.S. investment in the energy sector, citing existing operations by Chevron as a model and offering access “when, where and how they want.” The comments suggest an attempt to ease pressure through diplomacy and economic incentives as tensions with Washington remain high.
