Trump Says He Canceled ‘Second Wave’ Attack On Venezuela

After Maduro’s capture, Trump suggested that Venezuela’s vice president should cooperate or face consequences.

“No, if Maduro’s vice president — if the vice president does what we want, we won’t have to do that,” Trump noted Saturday when reporters asked if he planned a continued U.S. military presence in the country – something that likely would require congressional approval.

“We’re prepared,” Trump said. “You know, we have a second wave that’s much bigger than the first wave.” He said he had already spoken to acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez “numerous times, and she understands.”

Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners, which is likely the “important gesture” Trump spoke about. The move could signal the country’s new leadership is responding to pressure from the United States amid broader negotiations over sanctions, oil sales, and detained foreign nationals.

The announcement was made Thursday by Jorge Rodríguez, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, who said the government was freeing an “important number” of prisoners as part of what he described as a unilateral effort to “maintain the peace,” NBC News reported.

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