How a top State Dept. official "went rogue" over Machado's Venezuela plans
Summary
Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau reportedly gave mixed messages to foreign officials about U.S. support for Maria Corina Machado, an opposition leader in Venezuela who wanted to return to help after an earthquake. This caused confusion within the Trump administration and strained relations with Machado's supporters.Key Facts
- The official U.S. policy under President Trump was to not help Machado return to Venezuela.
- Chris Landau allegedly communicated conflicting messages to at least two countries about supporting Machado's travel.
- Machado planned to travel via Curacao, a Dutch island, despite lacking a valid Venezuelan passport.
- The Dutch government initially approved Machado’s travel but reversed permission mid-flight after U.S. officials expressed opposition.
- Machado’s supporters were unhappy with the U.S. policy and relations with Maduro’s vice president, whom the U.S. had elevated.
- Landau is a former ambassador and is suspected of opposing official U.S. policy toward Venezuela and being too close to Machado.
- Landau denied misrepresenting U.S. policy, though internal officials believed he acted independently.
- The confusion caused arguments within the State Department and disrupted coordination after the deadly June 24 earthquake in Venezuela.
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