Trump Envoy Grenell Criticized By Fellow Officials Over Softer Tone On Maduro: Report

Richard Grenell, President Donald Trump's envoy for special missions, is reportedly being criticized by fellow officials over his more conciliatory tone regarding Venezuela, according to a new 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.

"Unfortunately, Ric Grenell's personal comments have been out of step with the president and administration, and the president himself and secretary of state should be deemed as the official policymakers," the official said.

Another one claimed that Grenell "appears to have created a new genre of Maduro fan fiction where the dictator is just a good guy who's misunderstood, where drugs aren't a problem, and where providing hard currency to the world's most wanted terrorist isn't a big deal."

Maduro seems to be taking the presence of U.S. troops and assets off its coast seriously, saying this week he might declare a state of emergency.

Maduro said the 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."

The Miami Herald noted that under Article 338 of the South American country's constitution, the declaration of an "external national commotion" would allow the government to suspend certain constitutional guarantees to deal with foreign threats.

The measure can last up to 90 days and can be renewed one time. It has to be approved by the Council of Ministers, presented to the National Assembly and reviewed by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court within eight days. All such bodies are controlled by officials friendly to the regime.