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The official Richard Grenell arrived in Venezuela as the special envoy of President Donald Trump for a meeting this Friday with Nicolás Maduro, who assumed his third term on January 10 following a controversial reelection, according to CNN.
Grenell's visit to the South American nation has generated anticipation amid the political and diplomatic situation between the two countries.
On his part, the special envoy of the State Department for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, stated that Grenell's trip "focuses on two very specific issues: first, we expect that Venezuelan criminals and gangs will return to their country, as happens in any country in the world, without conditions. And second, that American hostages be released immediately, unequivocally," he quoted CNN.
He added that this is not a "quid pro quo. It is not a negotiation in exchange for nothing," and clarified that the United States does not need Venezuelan oil.
Republican Congressman Rick Scott expressed today on social media his hope that Trump's envoy will demand the return of the Americans detained in the Caribbean country.
Currently, there are eight American citizens held in Venezuela, most of them since 2024, according to various sources.
Among those detained, identified by the Miami-based exiled organization Independent Venezuelan American Citizens (IVAC), are Gregory David Werber, David Guttenberg Guillarme, Aaron Barrett Logan, Jonathan Pagán González, Wilbert Joseph Castaño, David Estrella, José Marcelo Vargas, and Lucas Hunter (French-American).
Scott also emphasized in his message that he hopes Grenell will address the recovery of the "bullies and gang members" who, according to him, are currently in the United States.
The Florida congressman also reiterated his desire for Grenell to work on finding "a new country" for Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan Minister of Interior, Diosdado Cabello, and any other member of the Venezuelan regime involved in activities deemed repressive.
Frequently asked questions about Richard Grenell's visit to Venezuela and the current political situation
Why did Richard Grenell travel to Venezuela?
Richard Grenell was sent to Venezuela by Donald Trump to meet with Nicolás Maduro amid the political and diplomatic situation between the two countries. He is expected to address issues such as the release of American citizens detained in the Caribbean nation.
How many American citizens are detained in Venezuela?
Currently, there are eight U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela, most of them since 2024. Among them are Gregory David Werber, David Guttenberg Guillarme, and others identified by exile organizations.
What does Congressman Rick Scott expect from Grenell's visit to Venezuela?
Rick Scott hopes that Grenell will demand the return of detained Americans and will address the recovery of individuals he considers "thugs and gangsters" currently in the United States. Furthermore, he wants Grenell to work on finding a "new country" for Maduro and other members of the regime.
What is the United States' stance on the recent elections in Venezuela?
United States and a large part of the international community question the legitimacy of the Venezuelan elections held on July 28, where Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner. The regime is accused of irregularities and electoral fraud, recognizing Edmundo González as the legitimate elected president.
What measures has the United States taken against the Maduro regime?
The United States has increased the rewards for the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, in addition to imposing economic sanctions on high-ranking officials of the Venezuelan government. These measures are part of an effort to pressure the regime and restore democracy in Venezuela.
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