Brazilian billionaire Joesley Batista flew to Caracas to urge President Nicolás Maduro to heed Donald Trump's call to step down and allow for a peaceful transition of power. This unreported trip marks the latest effort to defuse tensions after Trump threatened land strikes following months of lethal attacks on alleged drug trafficking boats. Batista, whose company JBS is the world's largest meat producer, met with Maduro on Nov. 23, days after Trump's phone call with the Venezuelan leader. The Trump administration was aware of Batista's plans but he went on his own initiative. His visit coincided with a major U.S. military deployment in Latin American waters and over 20 attacks on suspected drug-running vessels that killed more than 80 people. The U.S. considers Maduro's regime illegitimate and accuses it of election fraud and facilitating cocaine exports. The day after Batista's visit, the U.S. designated the 'Cartel de los Soles' as a foreign terrorist organization, ratcheting up pressure. With his ties to both Brazilian power circles and Maduro, Batista is uniquely positioned to mediate between the parties. His company previously negotiated meat deals with Venezuela, and he has met with Trump to discuss tariffs and Brazil-U.S. relations.
