President Donald Trump has directed his administration to end diplomatic outreach efforts to Venezuela, marking a significant change in U.S. policy toward the government of Nicolás Maduro.

The decision was reported Monday evening by the New York Times, which cited officials familiar with the development.

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According to the report, President Trump instructed Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell last week to stop discussions with Maduro’s representatives.

The decision reportedly followed growing frustration within the administration over what officials described as Maduro’s refusal to relinquish power voluntarily and his continued denial of Venezuelan government involvement in narcotics trafficking.

The Times report stated that multiple military options remain under review as part of contingency planning but noted that no direct military action has been authorized.

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Administration officials indicated that the decision to end talks is part of a broader reassessment of U.S. strategy in Venezuela as the administration weighs increased pressure on the Maduro government.

The Times also reported that Senator Marco Rubio has played a leading role in shaping the White House’s approach toward Venezuela, advocating for stronger measures against the Maduro regime and opposing ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Rubio reportedly viewed Grenell’s discussions as counterproductive and as creating “confusion” about the U.S. position.

Grenell, according to the report, had been exploring potential arrangements that would have allowed American energy companies access to Venezuelan oil resources in exchange for easing diplomatic tensions. Those efforts have now been halted.

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In response to the Times article, debate quickly emerged across political and media circles over the nature of Trump’s decision.

Some outlets characterized it as a potential prelude to military escalation, while others described it as a move to reinforce U.S. policy toward a government accused of widespread human rights abuses and links to organized crime.

Estrella Infante wrote on X that the administration’s actions should not be interpreted as “regime change” in the traditional sense, but rather as an effort to “end an era of impunity.”

Infante added, “Venezuela isn’t just another country, it’s a narco-dictatorship allied with enemies of the United States and responsible for regional chaos and mass migration.”

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She went on to say, “Venezuelans voted massively on July 28, 2024, and have already stood up against tyranny.”

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Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Democratic caucus have expressed concern over the move, warning that it could heighten tensions in the region.

Some lawmakers described the development as a possible step toward “regime change,” while others called for restraint in any future policy decisions involving Venezuela.

Maduro responded during his weekly state television broadcast on Monday, claiming he had reached out to the Vatican for mediation.

“I have great faith that Pope Leo, as I stated in the letter I sent him, will help Venezuela preserve and achieve peace and stability,” Maduro said.

Maduro also alleged during his broadcast that Venezuelan security forces had foiled a “false flag operation” intended to target the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.

The embassy has been closed since 2019, though a small number of administrative staff remain in the country.

No independent evidence has been presented to substantiate Maduro’s claims, and similar accusations have been made by his government in the past without verification.

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The Venezuelan leader’s televised statements come amid growing internal unrest and international pressure following the contested July elections.

The Trump administration has continued to recognize opposition figures as legitimate representatives of the Venezuelan people and has maintained sanctions against the Maduro government.

Administration sources said that all options remain under consideration as the U.S. continues to pursue policies aimed at countering narcotics trafficking and promoting democratic governance in the region.