WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Former U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly halted secret diplomatic efforts aimed at negotiating a resolution to teh political adn economic crisis in Venezuela, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. The outreach, which involved discussions with representatives of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was called off at Trump’s direction despite showing initial signs of progress.
The decision marks a reversal of a quiet initiative undertaken in the final months of Trump’s presidency, fueled by a desire to avoid potential conflict and explore avenues for a peaceful transition of power in the South American nation. While the Biden management has maintained sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Maduro’s government, Trump’s move signaled a willingness to engage directly, a strategy now off the table.The potential implications include a continued stalemate in Venezuela, prolonged humanitarian suffering, and increased regional instability.
The U.S.official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump had been receiving briefings on the discussions and ultimately determined that the conditions were not favorable for a triumphant outcome. The talks reportedly involved exploring potential concessions from both sides, including guarantees for free and fair elections and the release of political prisoners.
“president Trump was looking for a way to avoid a larger conflict in the region and believed that dialog was worth exploring,” the official stated. “Ultimately, he decided that the Maduro regime was not serious about making the necessary concessions for a genuine transition.”
Venezuela has been mired in a deep crisis for years, marked by hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine, and a mass exodus of its population. The United States, along with dozens of other countries, recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela, refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of Maduro’s 2018 reelection, which was widely considered fraudulent.
The Trump administration had previously imposed crippling sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry and top officials, aiming to pressure Maduro to step down. While the Biden administration has not substantially altered that policy, the secret talks represented a potential shift in approach. The cancellation of these discussions leaves the future of U.S. policy toward Venezuela uncertain.
