CSB News USA

CSB News USA · 9:35 AM

Mauricio Claver-Carone, one of the most influential architects of the Trump administration’s Venezuela policy despite holding no official government position, says he is no longer overseeing the Venezuela portfolio. His departure has sparked speculation over whether he left voluntarily or was pushed aside.

Mauricio Claver-Carone, a key adviser who helped shape the Trump administration’s Venezuela strategy, has confirmed that he is no longer involved in overseeing U.S. policy toward the South American nation. Although he held no formal government office, Claver-Carone worked closely with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was widely viewed by officials and business leaders as one of the administration’s most influential figures on Venezuela. Speaking to Reuters, Claver-Carone insisted that his departure was voluntary. “I’m retired on Venezuela,” he said. However, multiple sources familiar with the matter claimed he was effectively forced out in recent weeks. During his tenure, Claver-Carone played a central role in major decisions involving Venezuela’s estimated $200 billion debt restructuring, oil-sector negotiations, and business opportunities for U.S. companies. He also reportedly helped secure a contract worth more than $150 million for restructuring Venezuela’s debt and participated in back-channel talks between the Venezuelan government and opposition leaders. Despite his influence, his involvement in sensitive business negotiations reportedly created tensions within the U.S. State Department and among…

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