US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is not waging war against Venezuela but is instead fighting international drug cartels. He made the remarks in an interview with NBC News, according to a report by Russia’s TASS news agency. Trump claimed that US operations are directed at groups involved in drug trafficking and accused some countries of sending drug addicts and mentally ill individuals to the United States after emptying their prisons and mental institutions.

Discussing Venezuela’s political situation, Trump emphasized that the White House does not expect new elections to take place in the country within the next 30 days. He said elections are not possible under the current conditions and that stability must be restored before citizens can safely vote. Trump also named several US officials responsible for Venezuela-related matters, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Vice President JD Vance.

Trump noted that each of these officials brings distinct expertise and experience to handling Venezuela-related issues.