Reuters: Trump adviser steps back from Venezuela role

Mauricio Claver-Carone, an unofficial adviser who played a key role in shaping the Trump administration's Venezuela policy and negotiations over the country's energy sector, has told Reuters that he is no longer overseeing the portfolio.

Although he held no formal government position, Claver-Carone was widely regarded by current and former US officials and business sources as one of the administration's most influential figures on Venezuela. Based in Miami, he worked closely with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has led Washington's policy toward the South American country.

Claver-Carone told Reuters that his departure was voluntary. However, multiple sources familiar with the matter told the news agency that he had been forced out in recent weeks.

According to Reuters, Claver-Carone exercised significant influence over major decisions affecting Venezuela's future, including debt restructuring, oil-sector agreements and negotiations that could involve billions of dollars in investments.

The report said he was instrumental in securing a contract for US financial advisory firm Centerview Partners to restructure Venezuela's estimated $200 billion debt. Reuters also reported that he helped organise talks between the Venezuelan government and opposition figures scheduled for August 1 and was involved in discussions on several oil-sector deals.

Reuters added that Claver-Carone played an important role in shaping the Trump administration's approach to post-Maduro Venezuela, with Washington focusing on opening the country's energy sector to US businesses while placing less emphasis on broader political reforms or democratic elections.

The report also said Claver-Carone was involved in discussions related to businessman Alejandro Betancourt, who built his fortune through contracts in Venezuela's oil and electricity sectors under former President Hugo Chávez. Betancourt has faced scrutiny and investigations related to corruption and money laundering in several jurisdictions, including the United States, allegations he has denied.

Claver-Carone told Reuters that he has no financial interests in Venezuela, either personally or through his investment fund.

By Sabina Mammadli