The Director of National Intelligence, Tarsi Gabbard, has reportedly pulled back information related to a deal between the Trump administration and the Venezuelan government.
A memo identified Envoy Richard Grenell as a key figure. He oversees the Kennedy Center and seemed to be negotiating with officials in Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s administration to safeguard the interests of American energy companies.
The recall notice indicated that, while the report was accurate and adhered to NSA policies, DNI directed its withdrawal. The intent was to protect Grenell, who often faces scrutiny regarding American intelligence disclosures.
The conversation documented by the NSA focused on creating an agreement that would enhance Chevron’s oil operations in Venezuela, potentially in exchange for hostages.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly opposed this arrangement, favoring a more aggressive stance towards the Maduro regime.
The White House has not provided immediate feedback regarding this situation.
Alexa Henning, Deputy Chief of Staff for DNI, mentioned to reporters that the withdrawal was “not about the content” but about protecting American identities and civil liberties.
A senior NSA manager characterized the report’s withdrawal as typical administrative editing rather than a major incident, emphasizing that the report remains accessible within the intelligence community and calling claims of a “rescience” exaggerated.
This withdrawal comes amid a heightened US presence in the Caribbean, with intensified actions against drug cartels in the area. In response, Maduro labeled the deployment of US military assets as a “luxurious, unjust, immoral, absolutely criminal and bloody threat.”
