Maduro Reportedly Seeking To Appease Trump By Offering Help To Hunt Down Gang Leaders

Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro has reportedly offered Donald Trump his help to hunt down gang leaders, who the U.S. head of State claims motivates the deployment of assets and troops of the South American country's coast.

Bloomberg detailed that the offer was part of Maduro's effort to restart talks with Trump, according to people familiar with the matter. Concretely, Maduro said he could help locate leaders of Tren de Aragua, a gang Trump has repeatedly mentioned as a source of crime in the U.S. He has also accused Maduro of deliberately sending gang members to wreak havoc in the country.

"I respectfully invite you, President, to promote peace through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding throughout the hemisphere," Maduro said in a passage of a letter obtained by the outlet. It was given to special envoy Richard Grenell, who has advocated for dialogue with the regime.

Grenell has been reportedly being criticized by fellow officials over his more conciliatory tone regarding the South American country, according to another report. Semafor detailed that Grenell has argued for diplomacy with the authoritarian government, in contrast with many who claim Maduro's days are numbered.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Paraguay earlier this month, he said: "I've sat across from Nicolás Maduro, I've articulated the America First position, and I still believe we can strike a deal."

He also told CBS News this week that he has "been engaging" with Venezuela's authoritarian government "at the direction of President Trump." "I've spoken to Mr. Maduro, I've gone down to Venezuela, and I continue to talk to his team," he said.

However, Semafor noted that other officials noted that Grenell's work doesn't represent Trump's formal stance, with one noting that he is no longer involved in Venezuela policy.

Moreover, a White House spokesperson told Bloomberg that "the Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela, it is a narco-terror cartel, and Maduro is not a legitimate president."

"The administration's policy is 'maximum pressure' on the Maduro regime, and no negotiations that could potentially benefit the regime are occurring," the spokesperson added.

In this context, is considering declaring a state of emergency. He said he decision would help protect the country's sovereignty and stability, noting that his goal is "that the entire nation, every citizen, has the support and protection of all forces of Venezuelan society to respond to any threat or attack against our country."