Trump Administration Quietly Drafts “Day-After” Plans for Possible Maduro Exit

The Trump administration is quietly preparing contingency plans for what the United States might do if Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro is forced from power, according to senior officials familiar with the discussions. The planning comes amid months of rising pressure on Caracas, including the deployment of thousands of U.S. troops and a carrier strike group to the Caribbean, as well as repeated threats from President Donald Trump.

Sources say the plans—kept closely held within the White House—outline several scenarios for stabilizing Venezuela if Maduro leaves voluntarily through negotiation or is removed following U.S. military action. Publicly, officials insist the military buildup is aimed at curbing drug flows, but the internal planning signals that Trump is considering options to push Maduro out.

Despite Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, senior officials say the president is reluctant to commit the U.S. to a deeper military engagement. Still, the White House is preparing for outcomes ranging from economic and security assistance to limited post-conflict support. Trump reportedly delivered an ultimatum to Maduro in a recent phone call, saying it was in the Venezuelan leader’s best interest to step aside.

The Venezuelan opposition—led by María Corina Machado and Edmundo González—has also developed its own “100-hour” and “100-day” plans for a post-Maduro transition, some of which have been shared with U.S. officials. The Trump administration has recognised González as Venezuela’s rightful president and has openly discussed potential leadership roles for the opposition.