Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro addressed the nation in a live interview and again in a New Year’s address on January 2, 2026, to set the record straight on reports of a second call with U.S. President Donald Trump. He said there has been no second phone conversation; the only conversation took place on November 21 and lasted about ten minutes.
Maduro emphasized that the United States’ actions have not been friendly toward Venezuela and reiterated his desire to maintain peaceful, non-military relations with the American people. He stressed that Venezuela seeks dialogue, not war, and urged both sides to engage constructively rather than escalate tensions.
Framing domestic resilience as a shield against external pressure, Maduro called for unity and patience as Venezuela navigates a difficult international climate. He said he remains open to dialogue with Washington, but only within terms that respect sovereignty and avoid militarization or coercion.
These remarks come as Venezuela also confronts broader diplomatic signals and policy shifts in the region and as U.S. entry restrictions for foreign nationals take effect—a backdrop Maduro linked to the importance of diplomacy over confrontation.