Trump wants Venezuela’s leader to go, here’s who could replace him

President Donald Trump has been increasing pressure on Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, labelling him the head of a terrorist organisation, amassing warships in the Caribbean, claiming to close Venezuelan airspace and suggesting imminent strikes on the country.

The Trump administration publicly asserts that its campaign is aimed at preventing Venezuela’s government from sending drugs and criminals to the United States. Former and current officials, however, have said in private that the White House’s ultimate goal is the departure of Mr Maduro, who has held on to power despite losing a presidential election in 2024.