Maduro’s Secret Deal: US Cooperation Before Capture Revealed
- The United States engaged in confidential discussions with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, President of Venezuela's National Assembly, beginning in November 2025, exploring...
- These communications followed a phone call between then-U.S.
- In December 2025, intermediaries representing Rodríguez informed U.S.
U.S. Held Secret Talks with Venezuelan Officials About Maduro’s Removal
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The United States engaged in confidential discussions with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, beginning in November 2025, exploring the possibility of removing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
Background of Negotiations
These communications followed a phone call between then-U.S. President Donald Trump and Maduro, during which Maduro declined offers too voluntarily relinquish power and enter a safe retirement. A proposal for Rodríguez to lead a transitional government was also rejected at that time. According to sources cited by The Guardian, the initial contact occurred in November 2025.
Rodríguez’s Offer
In December 2025, intermediaries representing Rodríguez informed U.S. officials that she was prepared to assume power if Maduro where removed from office. U.S. sources quoted Rodríguez as stating, “Maduro has to go. I will work with any consequence.”
Shifting U.S. Strategy
Initially, Secretary of State and National security Advisor Marco Rubio resisted engaging with officials from Maduro’s government. However, he later viewed Rodríguez as the most viable option for achieving a transition of power in Venezuela.
“Delcy communicated.She said… ‘maduro has to go. I will work with any consequence,'” according to US sources.