CIA director had two-hour meeting with new Venezuelan leader in Caracas

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on Thursday, reportedly at President Trump's direction. The two-hour meeting aimed to build trust and communication following the US seizure of former President Nicolás Maduro almost two weeks prior. Discussions included potential economic collaboration and ensuring Venezuela doesn't harbor America's adversaries. The meeting coincided with Rodríguez's first state of the union address, where she announced oil industry reforms to attract foreign investment, a shift from Maduro's policies. Ratcliffe's visit marks the first cabinet-level visit to Venezuela, occurring on the same day Trump met with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington. Rodríguez expressed a willingness to engage in diplomacy with the US, emphasizing the need to defend Venezuela's sovereignty and dignity.

Explore how the topics in this article connect to other news stories