Donald Trump repeatedly raised the possibility of invading Venezuela in conversations with top aides at the White House, according to a new report from the Associated Press. The president's suggestions went beyond his public declaration in August last year that a "military option" was possible.
During an Oval Office meeting, Trump reportedly asked why the US could not intervene to remove the government of Nicolás Maduro, arguing that Venezuela's political and economic crisis posed a threat to the region. The suggestion stunned those present, including then national security adviser HR McMaster and secretary of state Rex Tillerson, both of whom have since left the administration.
Administration officials took turns trying to talk the president out of the idea, pointing out that military action would alienate Latin American allies who had supported US sanctions on the Maduro regime. However, their arguments did not appear to dissuade him. The next day, at his New Jersey golf course, Trump reiterated his threat, stating, "We have many options for Venezuela, including a possible military option if necessary." The White House later refused a call from Maduro, and the Venezuelan defence minister described Trump's threat as an "act of craziness".
In the weeks that followed, Trump remained preoccupied with the idea, raising it with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and again at a private dinner during the UN General Assembly in September. At that dinner, he ignored his aides' advice, asking other Latin American leaders if they were sure they did not want a military solution. According to the report, McMaster eventually succeeded in persuading Trump of the dangers of an invasion, and the president's interest subsided.
