Conflicting negotiations between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Richard Grenell have undermined efforts to broker a prisoner swap with Venezuela. Both officials were reportedly working on separate agreements with Venezuelan authorities, leading to a breakdown in communication and ultimately the failure of the deal. Allies of Rubio have leaked information suggesting that some regime change advocates are attempting to sideline Grenell and his "America First" approach, which focuses on access to oil, reducing migration, and sanctions relief. Critics argue that the opposing strategy resembles the previous Bolton administration's policy, which was linked to increased migration. Questions have also been raised about whether Grenell's independent negotiations were motivated by ambitions to replace Rubio as Secretary of State. The discord within the Trump administration's Venezuela policy team has drawn scrutiny, with observers noting the lack of coordination between senior officials despite claims of improved professionalism compared to the first Trump term.