Trump signals potential ground operation in Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks on current events at an event held at the White House. Addressing the tension with Venezuela, Trump responded to a question about whether he was considering sending ground troops to Venezuela by saying, "I don't rule it out. I don't rule anything out." Emphasizing that they need to pay attention to the issue of Venezuela, Trump stated, "They have released hundreds of thousands of people from prisons into our country. No one knows this better than the young lady here (Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem)."

"WHAT THEY HAVE DONE TO THIS COUNTRY CAN NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"

Reiterating his claim that Venezuela has sent many illegal immigrants to the U.S., many of whom are criminals from prisons, Trump said, "I can't say I like the people running Venezuela. I love the people, but what (the Venezuelan leaders) have done to this country, and what Joe Biden and the Democrats have done to this country, can never be forgotten." When asked if he would want to meet with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump replied, "Yes, I probably would talk to him. Yes, because I've talked to everybody."

"I WILL TALK TO MADURO"

When asked, "Is it possible for Maduro to say or do something that would make you feel that he could remain in power with your support in a potential meeting? Any statement that might be acceptable?" Trump responded, "It's hard to say, because that's a tricky question. I don't mean the question is intentionally difficult. But, Maduro has caused great harm to our country, first in the context of drugs and then in terms of relations with other countries." Claiming that Venezuela under Maduro's administration has caused more harm to the U.S. than any other country, Trump said, "Including the issue of releasing prisoners. (Maduro) has not treated the U.S. well. We will see what happens. I will talk to him within a certain period of time."

TRUMP SENDS MESSAGE OF DETERMINATION IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

Trump also responded to a question about whether military personnel could be sent to Mexico to fight drugs. Stating that this would not be a problem for him, Trump emphasized that they would do whatever is necessary in the fight against drugs. Highlighting that despite major problems in Mexico regarding drugs, they have recently largely blocked the flow of drugs from that country to the U.S., Trump assessed, "There were big problems in Mexico City over the weekend. Thanks to the measures we have taken on the waterways, almost no drugs are entering us from there anymore. Didn't the rate drop by about 85 percent, maybe 50? I don't know the exact success rate. This can be seen as a big sign."

"WE KNOW WHERE THE CARTELS ARE"

Emphasizing that they have saved thousands of lives with the attacks they carried out on boats carrying drugs, Trump said, "We know every one of the cartels, they are all under heavy surveillance. No one is entering through the southern border, but we know very well how they reach there."

"I WOULD BE PROUD TO DESTROY DRUG FACTORIES IN COLOMBIA"

Stating that Colombia also has an important place in drug production, Trump said, "There are factories in Colombia where cocaine is produced. Would I destroy these factories? I would be personally proud to do that. I'm not saying I did, but I would be proud of it."

"I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH MEXICO REGARDING DRUGS"

Stating that he has been in talks with Mexico to prevent the flow of drugs, Trump said, "They know my stance. We lose hundreds of thousands of people every year due to drugs. We know every route. We know the address of every drug baron. We know their addresses, their doors, all their information. They are killing our people. We lose hundreds of thousands of people every year. Not to mention the devastation families go through. And a large part of this comes from Mexico. I am not satisfied with Mexico."