ISTANBUL

The incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump is pushing for regime change in Venezuela, citing Nicolas Maduro's rigged elections, political repression and escalating threats to American territories, according to American media reports on Saturday.

Axios reported that Trump’s team advocates Maduro’s removal without military action.

"We wouldn't mind one bit seeing Maduro being neighbors with Assad in Moscow," said a foreign policy adviser.

The country, under Maduro's leadership, has caused the largest migration crisis in the Western Hemisphere, with nearly 8 million people fleeing in the past decade.

In his confirmation hearing to be Trump's secretary of state, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio condemned Maduro for leading a "narco-trafficking organization" and strengthening alliances with adversaries like Russia, China and Iran.

Trump remains skeptical of oil deals with Venezuela, asserting: "We don't have to buy energy from Venezuela."

The situation escalated in January when Maduro threatened to invade Puerto Rico, prompting Gov. Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon to seek a response from Trump.

A Trump adviser laughed off the threat, saying, "He's going to invade Puerto Rico? With what?"