Trump refuses to rule out military action against Venezuela in NBC News interview

In a December 19, 2024 phone interview with NBC News, President-elect Trump refused to rule out military action against Venezuela when directly asked about the possibility. When asked if he would rule out war with Venezuela, Trump responded 'I don't rule it out, no.' The interview took place amid escalating tensions with the Maduro government, with Trump having previously stated that Maduro's 'days are numbered.' This represents a significant escalation in rhetoric toward Venezuela, with Trump openly leaving military intervention on the table as a policy option. The statement follows a pattern of threatening language toward the South American nation during the transition period.

"I don't rule it out, no." — Response to NBC News question asking if he would rule out war with Venezuela