Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has indicated willingness to relinquish power if the United States guarantees him legal amnesty, lifts the multi-million dollar bounty placed on his head, and provides for a comfortable exile, according to recent sources familiar with negotiations.
Senior Venezuelan government officials floated a proposal to US intermediaries that would see President Nicolás Maduro eventually step down from power in exchange for comprehensive personal security guarantees from Washington. The plan reportedly included legal amnesty for Maduro and his inner circle, the removal of the US government’s $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest, and permission to live in safe and comfortable exile, potentially with access to a portion of his family’s assets.
Under the proposed strategy, Maduro would resign within a set timeframe, handing over his office to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who would complete the remainder of Maduro’s current term without seeking reelection. US officials, however, have rejected the initial proposal, citing doubts about its credibility and broader concerns over Maduro’s alleged role in running a narco-terrorist regime. Analysts note that growing US pressure including economic sanctions, criminal indictments, and an increased military presence in the region has put Maduro’s administration under immense strain and may have prompted him to seek a negotiated exit.
Efforts to arrange mediation have involved international actors such as Qatar, but the US has consistently maintained that any transition must include full accountability for alleged crimes tied to drug trafficking, human rights abuses, and electoral misconduct. As Maduro’s domestic and international support weakens, the leader continues to explore possible escape routes and strategic concessions to forestall further deterioration of his government’s position.
