Richard Grenell, a representative dispatched by President Donald Trump to Venezuela at the end of January, has stated that the U.S. leader is not aiming to alter the Venezuelan government. Grenell shared these insights during an interview on Saturday for the American Thought Leaders program produced by The Epoch Times.
During the discussion, which also covered the appointment of Kashyap "Kash" Patel as FBI director and the release of six American hostages in Venezuela, Grenell emphasized their understanding of the Venezuelan government and President Nicolás Maduro, but he stressed that no actions to change the regime are planned. "Look, we are very clear about the Venezuelan government and Maduro, but Donald Trump is someone who does not seek to change the regime. He is focused on making Americans stronger and more prosperous, and that's our current priority," Grenell explained in the interview.
He reflected on his visit to Venezuela, detailing the circumstances surrounding the release of the American prisoners. According to Grenell, Nicolás Maduro had "a lengthy list of questions," but he conveyed only Trump's desire for Venezuela to provide planes to deport migrants from the U.S.
Grenell warned that there are still issues to address with Maduro's administration: "We haven't finished with Venezuela. I believe we have more to accomplish." However, he did not specify what further actions might entail.
The White House denied that Grenell's trip to Venezuela represented an official acknowledgment of Maduro as the legitimate leader of the country, though the terms of any agreements remain undisclosed. For Trump, the visit was another step in his "plan" to "remove record numbers of illegal migrants from all countries."
The meeting took place amid international tension following Nicolás Maduro's re-election in January 2025, which was not recognized by the United States or several regional countries. Press agencies had reported, following Trump's inauguration, that his team was crafting a strategy aimed at ending more than two decades of Chavismo in Venezuela.
One of the initial measures under consideration was the revocation of the license allowing the American oil company Chevron to operate in the South American nation. Other sources suggested the strategy included negotiating Maduro's exit into exile, potentially in Moscow, in a scenario reminiscent of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Policy on Venezuela
What was the purpose of Richard Grenell’s visit to Venezuela?
Richard Grenell visited Venezuela as a special envoy to discuss the release of American hostages and convey Trump's requests regarding deportation logistics.
Did the U.S. recognize Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader?
No, the White House denied that Grenell's visit was an official recognition of Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
What strategy is Trump's administration considering for Venezuela?
Trump's administration is reportedly crafting a strategy to end Chavismo, which includes possibly revoking Chevron's license and considering a negotiated exile for Maduro.