Grenell frustrates Trump allies with softer line on Maduro
Source: Semafor
Grenell frustrates Trump allies with softer line on Maduro
Shelby Talcott
White House Correspondent, Semafor
Updated Sep 26, 2025, 6:56am EDT
Politics
As President Donald Trump’s posture toward Venezuela grows increasingly aggressive, his special missions envoy Ric Grenell is striking a far more conciliatory tone — complicating the administration’s work and frustrating some of Grenell’s colleagues.
Grenell has long argued for diplomacy with Venezuela and its socialist leader, Nicolás Maduro. He’s maintained that stance even as the Trump administration shifts military resources into the Caribbean, striking three vessels so far that it alleged were carrying drugs offshore Venezuela.
During last week’s CPAC Paraguay conference in Asunción, Grenell reiterated that he believes a US-Venezuela “deal” is still possible and said he’s “been to see” Maduro. This week, he told CBS that he has “been engaging” with Venezuela over the alleged drug trafficking boats “at the direction of President Trump,” after Maduro sent a letter to Trump suggesting the Venezuelan leader negotiate through Grenell.
“I’ve spoken to Mr. Maduro, I’ve gone down to Venezuela, and I continue to talk to his team,” he said.
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Read more: https://www.semafor.com/article/09/25/2025/grenell-sidelined-on-venezuela-frustrates-trump-allies-with-softer-line-on-maduro