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Trump Offered Maduro Exile in Turkey Before Venezuela Operation

Published January 5, 2026, 10:15
Trump Offered Maduro Exile in Turkey Before Venezuela Operation

According to New York Times reports, the Trump administration had offered Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro exile in Turkey as part of a plan to avert military intervention. Maduro rejected the proposal, insisting on remaining in power, which led to the activation of the military threat by the Trump administration. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham confirmed that Maduro had the opportunity to go to Turkey but chose to face the consequences. Turkey had been suggested as a “safe haven” due to President Erdoğan’s good relationship with Trump and the United States. The decision to attempt a regime change in Venezuela, through Operation Absolute Resolve, appears to have been a direct result of Maduro’s refusal.