Overview
- Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said an attack on Mexico to stop drugs would be acceptable to him, citing dissatisfaction with Mexico’s efforts.
- He floated hitting cocaine laboratories in Colombia, saying he would be proud to shut such facilities while stopping short of a commitment to act.
- Trump said he is probably willing to speak directly with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and Maduro publicly signaled openness to a conversation.
- Mexico’s Foreign Ministry did not initially respond to requests for comment on Trump’s statements, according to the reporting.
- Reporting since September describes repeated U.S. strikes on boats alleged to be drug smugglers in the Caribbean and East Pacific, with at least 83 people reportedly killed.