In a significant shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations, President Donald Trump has announced his administration is collaborating effectively with Venezuela’s interim leadership under Delcy Rodriguez, expressing willingness to engage in direct diplomatic meetings. This development follows the dramatic capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. special forces just over a week ago, who now faces drug trafficking charges in New York.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump revealed his expectations to meet both with interim leader Rodriguez and opposition figure Maria Corina Machado this week, despite previous skepticism about Machado’s leadership capabilities. The administration’s surprising acceptance of Rodriguez—a former Maduro ally—as interim leader has raised eyebrows, particularly given Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize recognition last year, which she dedicated to Trump.
This diplomatic opening comes as Venezuela initiates what Trump described as a ‘BIG WAY’ process of releasing political prisoners. While rights organizations estimate between 800-1,200 political detainees remain incarcerated, several prominent opposition figures have already been freed. Simultaneously, the Rodriguez government has signaled willingness to cooperate on U.S. oil access demands and reestablish diplomatic ties, with American envoys already visiting Caracas to discuss reopening the U.S. embassy.
However, the transition faces challenges. The recent death in custody of a police officer accused of treason has drawn condemnation from opposition groups, while candlelight vigils continue outside prisons where families await loved ones’ release. Meanwhile, Trump’s efforts to attract oil investment face industry skepticism, with ExxonMobil’s CEO dismissing Venezuela as ‘uninvestable’ without comprehensive reforms—a position that drew sharp criticism from the president who suggested excluding the energy giant from future opportunities.
Despite these complications, Trump maintains optimistic about Venezuela’s trajectory under U.S. influence, stating the nation now operates under de facto American control through enforced naval blockades of vital oil exports.