Scoop: Trump expected to meet with Venezuela's new leader
President Trump is making plans for a first-ever meeting with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, as early as next week, sources familiar with the discussions tell Axios. Why it matters: The potential meeting showcases the close relations between the nations under Trump. But it's also fraught with political risks that extend from Miami to Caracas. Driving the news: Trump is already…
President Trump is reportedly scheduled to meet with Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, as early as next week, according to sources familiar with the plans. The meeting would mark the first-ever encounter between the two leaders, showcasing the close ties between the two nations under Trump's administration. However, the potential summit comes with political risks, ranging from Miami to Caracas.
At the UN General Assembly in New York next week, Trump planned to meet with Gulf leaders to discuss the Iran War, and those close to Trump believe he wants to set aside time for a sidelines meeting with Rodriguez, sources told Axios. A senior administration official emphasized that nothing was finalized and that the decision rested with the president.
The meeting could take place just blocks away from where Maduro, Rodriguez's predecessor and a former ally, is awaiting trial on narco-terrorism charges in a federal lockup in New York City. Critics among the Venezuelan exile community in Florida have expressed discontent with the administration's close collaboration with Rodriguez, a lifelong socialist.
Despite this dissent, the president remains committed to the meeting, as he admires Rodriguez's efforts to improve Venezuela's situation.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
