Politico: U.S. weighing exile options for Maduro, including Azerbaijan

U.S. officials are discussing possible destinations where Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his closest allies could be sent into exile, Politico reported, citing several administration officials.

According to the report, the options under consideration include Azerbaijan, Cuba, Russia and Turkey.

Some aides to President Donald Trump have floated the idea of arranging a “safe exit” for Maduro, while others are pushing for his arrest and prosecution in the United States.

Officials are also assessing whether U.S. military pressure tied to anti-drug-trafficking operations in the region could trigger internal chaos in Venezuela and lead to Maduro’s loss of power.

Washington is considering hiring private security firms from third countries to provide temporary protection for any transitional leadership.

The discussions involve multiple U.S. agencies, including the State Department, Pentagon, Department of Energy, Treasury, Justice Department and others.

Politico reports that Washington maintains contact not only with the Venezuelan opposition but also with other influential figures in the country.

Separately, The Atlantic reported that Maduro may be willing to step down if granted amnesty, removal of the bounty on his arrest and guarantees of comfortable exile.

The U.S. Justice Department charged Maduro with drug-trafficking conspiracy in 2020; the bounty for his capture was raised from $15 million to $50 million in August 2025. Earlier this month, Trump said Maduro’s presidency was “coming to an end.”