Claver-Carone leaves Venezuela adviser role
Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026
The departure of a key architect of U.S. Venezuela policy could create uncertainty for companies seeking to do business in Venezuela's oil sector, potentially slowing deal flow and affecting valuations. However, the continuation of the inter-agency team led by Secretary Rubio and the presence of Caleb Orr may limit the impact on ongoing negotiations and contracts.
Mauricio Claver-Carone, an unofficial adviser to the Trump administration who played a leading role in shaping U.S. Venezuela policy and multimillion-dollar oil deals, has told Reuters he is no longer overseeing the portfolio. He reported to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was influential since the January 3 U.S. raid that captured President Nicolás Maduro. Claver-Carone said his departure was voluntary, but multiple sources say he was forced out in recent weeks. He was key to Centerview Partners clinching a contract worth over $150 million to restructure Venezuela's roughly $200 billion debt, and helped arrange talks between the Venezuelan government and opposition leaders. His heavy-handed involvement in business deals ruffled feathers within the State Department and among investors. Richard Grenell, a former special envoy, spoke to Trump about Claver-Carone's influence in early July. Claver-Carone acknowledged using Alejandro Betancourt López as an intermediary with Delcy Rodríguez's government. The State Department said he was not being removed from any formal role. Caleb Orr, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, will remain a key decision-maker.
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