Key Unofficial Trump Adviser on Venezuela Steps Down Amid Scrutiny

Mauricio Claver-Carone, a businessman who served as a powerful but unofficial adviser shaping the Trump administration's Venezuela policy, has stepped down from his role, he told Reuters. While Claver-Carone described his departure as voluntary, multiple sources familiar with the matter said he was forced out in recent weeks.

A 'Viceroy' Role in Post-Maduro Policy

Despite holding no formal government position, Claver-Carone emerged as a key figure in U.S. strategy toward the OPEC nation following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. raid on January 3. Reporting directly to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he wielded significant influence over decisions impacting Venezuela's vast oil resources and financial future, a role likened by officials to that of a "viceroy."

His behind-the-scenes negotiations were central to the U.S. approach, which has focused on opening the country to American business interests. Claver-Carone told Reuters he was "honored to provide advice and experience as a private citizen... to ensure President Trump’s policy was successful," adding, "I’m retired on Venezuela."

Influence Over Major Financial Deals

Claver-Carone played a pivotal part in several high-stakes financial arrangements, raising concerns among some Trump allies and State Department officials. His involvement was reportedly critical in several major deals:

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• He was key to U.S. firm Centerview Partners securing a contract worth over $150 million to restructure Venezuela's debt, estimated at around $200 billion, without a competitive bidding process.
• He weighed in on oil deals and helped arrange talks between the Venezuelan government, now led by Delcy Rodriguez, and opposition leaders.

Sources told Reuters that his heavy-handed involvement and the appropriateness of a private citizen with a private equity fund overseeing such deals had "ruffled feathers." Former special envoy to Venezuela, Richard Grenell, reportedly spoke to President Trump in early July about Claver-Carone’s influence. Claver-Carone has stated that neither he nor his fund holds any financial stake in Venezuela.

Context and Future Outlook

A Cuban American with long-standing ties to Senator Rubio, Claver-Carone previously served as president of the Inter-American Development Bank and was an architect of the Trump administration's first-term policies on Venezuela and Cuba. A State Department spokesperson confirmed he is a private citizen with no official role, calling any insinuation he was forced out "inaccurate."

It remains unclear how significantly his departure will alter U.S. policy. Caleb Orr, the Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, who sources said worked closely with Claver-Carone, is expected to remain a key decision-maker on the Venezuela portfolio.