U.S. Special Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell confirmed that he is holding talks with the Venezuelan government despite the growing tensions sparked by the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean Sea.

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During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Grenell stated that he has maintained ongoing dialogue with the team of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following instructions from President Donald Trump.

“I have been in talks under President Trump’s orders. I have spoken with Maduro, I have traveled to Venezuela, and I continue to engage with his team,” the U.S. diplomat said.

His remarks align with statements from the Venezuelan government acknowledging contact with U.S. representatives, though President Nicolás Maduro recently described these interactions as “underachieving,” considering the backdrop of Washington’s military threats toward Caracas under the fabricated narrative of combating drug trafficking.

Earlier, Grenell defended diplomacy and the pursuit of an agreement with the Venezuelan government during a conference in Paraguay.

The Trump administration’s agenda, however, is based on what critics describe as false claims linking the Venezuelan government to drug cartels, while ignoring the country’s efforts against criminal gangs, the destruction of illicit crops, and cooperation with other nations to address the issue.

Venezuelan President Maduro has also denounced what he calls a White House attempt to establish a “puppet government” in the South American nation that would serve U.S. interests.

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