WASHINGTON, D.C. – Amid a significant US military buildup in the Caribbean, Special Envoy Ric Grenell has confirmed he maintains diplomatic contact with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, revealing a stark internal divide within the Trump administration over its approach to Caracas.
In a recent television appearance, Mr. Grenell stated his ongoing engagement is conducted “at the direction of President Trump”. “I’ve spoken to Mr. Maduro, I’ve gone down to Venezuela, and I continue to talk to his team,” he told CBS Mornings.
This confirmation follows a letter sent by President Maduro to President Trump on September 6, in which the Venezuelan leader proposed “a direct and frank conversation with your special envoy,” aiming to overcome what he termed “media noise and fake news”.
However, this diplomatic overture and Mr. Grenell’s role have been met with resistance from other senior administration officials.
A senior official told Semafor that Mr. Grenell is “no longer involved in the administration’s Venezuela policy,” and that his personal comments are “out of step with the president and administration”.
Another source close to the White House criticised the envoy’s approach as portraying Mr. Maduro as “a good guy who’s misunderstood”.
This internal friction has reportedly led to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a known Venezuela hawk, taking a leading role in policy, sidelining Mr. Grenell .
The diplomatic manoeuvres occur against a backdrop of escalating military tension. The United States has deployed a flotilla of warships and advanced aircraft to the Caribbean Sea, conducting several strikes on vessels it alleges were involved in drug trafficking, resulting in multiple casualties.
The Trump administration has also doubled the bounty for Mr. Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, accusing him of narcoterrorism.
President Maduro has characterised the military moves as a prelude to “armed conflict” and a push for regime change, while the White House maintains its actions are part of a counter-narcotics operation.
Despite the hostile rhetoric, pragmatic cooperation between the two nations has continued uninterrupted.
Twice-weekly deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants from the US have proceeded, a channel that Maduro acknowledged in his letter had been clarified and was functioning “flawlessly” through discussions with Mr. Grenell.
The special envoy was also instrumental in securing the release of several American detainees earlier this year.
Analysts suggest the situation creates a volatile mix. While noting that neither leader likely wants a full-scale war, the significant military presence increases the risk of miscalculation that could escalate into a conflict.
The clear division within the US administration sends mixed signals, which critics argue can confuse the American public and be exploited by Caracas to sow division.
Sources: Semafor, Reuters, Antiwar, The Hill
