Sources who wished to remain anonymous confirmed an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal regarding the contents of this report.
According to them, Trump and a limited circle of his national security advisors were informed about the report's contents.
Sources indicated that this CIA conclusion was one of the factors influencing Trump’s decision to support Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez instead of opposition leader María Corina Machado.
However, the White House declined to comment on the document's contents.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated, "President Trump regularly receives analytical materials on the political situation in various countries. His national security team makes thoughtful decisions aimed at aligning with U.S. interests and improving the lives of the Venezuelan people."
According to The Wall Street Journal, this report was presented to Trump and his closest aides a few weeks before a proposed U.S. military operation in Venezuela. It did not specify how exactly Maduro might lose his position, although an assessment of the current situation in the country was conducted.
Analysts concluded that opposition leaders, such as Edmundo González, whom many consider the de facto winner of the upcoming elections, and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, would not be able to ensure the legitimacy of power and control over security forces.
This report became an important factor influencing Trump’s choice to support Delcy Rodríguez rather than Machado. The report notes that Rodríguez and two other high-profile officials are capable of "maintaining order" in the country. Other names of potential candidates were not disclosed, but according to the newspaper, they refer to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López.
Nicolás Maduro and his wife were detained by U.S. authorities on January 3. They will appear in court in New York on January 5, charged with "narcoterrorism." Maduro claims that he continues to fulfill his duties as President of Venezuela.
Photo on the main page: Reuters.
