President Donald Trump clammed up during an interview with Politico published Tuesday when asked whether he would “rule out” a military ground invasion of Venezuela as his administration continues to escalate military threats toward the South American nation.
“Can you rule out an American ground invasion in Venezuela?” asked Politico’s Dasha Burns, seated across from Trump during the two’s one-on-one interview.
“I don’t want to rule in or out, I don’t talk about it,” Trump said.
The Trump administration has ramped up military threats toward Venezuela in recent months, starting with its lethal strikes on suspected drug-carrying sea vessels in September, strikes that have killed at least 87 people and have been described by critics as potentially illegal “extrajudicial killings.”
Trump has also reportedly considered assassinating Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to Venezuela’s coast, has illegally closed the nation’s airspace, and suggested recently that land operations would “start very soon.” Venezuela has also claimed that it foiled a Trump administration plot to stage a “false flag” attack on a U.S. warship.
Trump was asked by Burns about “how far” he would go to force Maduro out of office, another question that saw Trump clam up.
“I don’t want to say that,” Trump said.
“But you want to see him out?” Burns pressed.
“His days are numbered,” Trump admitted.
When pressed on what his goals were in enacting regime change in Venezuela, which the Trump administration has frequently shifted from combating drug trafficking to curbing the alleged influence of Iran in the region, Trump provided yet another answer.
“Well, one goal is I want the people of Venezuela to be treated well,” Trump said. “I want the people of Venezuela, many of whom live in the United States, to be respected. I mean, they were tremendous to me. They voted for me 94% or something. I mean, it’s incredible. I own a big, uh, project, Doral [in Miami, Florida]. It’s a great place, Doral Country Club.”
Burns: Can you rule out an American ground invasion in Venezuela?
Trump: I don't want to rule in or out. I don't talk about it.
- Trump goes on to say Nicolas Maduro's "days are numbered." pic.twitter.com/PSn2RnTNb3
— Alexander Willis (@ReporterWillis) December 9, 2025