US says Venezuela’s interim president to visit as relations shift post-Maduro

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the continuation of releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro, framing it as a "new political moment." This follows the release of at least four U.S. citizens after Maduro's ousting. Rodríguez stated the release process is ongoing, aiming for political and ideological diversity, while claiming 212 detainees have already been freed, though human rights groups estimate lower figures. She attributed the releases to Maduro's prior efforts to foster understanding, not U.S. pressure. Decisions on future releases will be based on evaluations of crimes related to constitutional order, coordinated by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. President Trump confirmed a recent conversation with Rodríguez, their first since Maduro's capture.

Donald Trump will meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the White House on Thursday to discuss Venezuela's future after Nicolás Maduro's capture by the U.S. Machado's visit comes as the White House has been engaging with Maduro's former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, as interim leader, and is planning to reopen the Venezuelan embassy in Washington. Despite Machado's Nobel Peace Prize and recognition of her replacement as the legitimate winner of the presidential election, Trump has questioned her ability to govern. The meeting's outcome may hinge on Machado's ability to leverage her award to gain Trump's support, as he has expressed interest in sharing the honor.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated in Washington on Friday that Venezuela is beginning a transition to democracy and will achieve freedom with support from the U.S. and Donald Trump. Machado's party alleges that Nicolas Maduro stole the 2024 election, a claim supported by Washington and the international community. However, despite Machado's appeal, Trump has chosen to support former Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez as interim leader, prioritizing U.S. access to Venezuela's oil reserves. Trump believes Machado lacks sufficient support among Venezuelans. Machado maintains that this transition will significantly impact Venezuelans, the region, and the world.

In January 2026, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, the first call since Nicolas Maduro's abduction by U.S. forces. Rodriguez pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro's presidency, describing the call as productive and focused on a bilateral agenda. Trump praised Rodriguez and expressed optimism about a U.S.-Venezuela partnership concerning oil, minerals, trade, and national security. This follows the abduction of Maduro and his wife by the U.S. military on January 3rd and a cancelled second wave of attacks after Venezuela released prisoners as a sign of seeking peace with Washington. Rodriguez stated Venezuela is entering a "new political moment" with the release of detainees ongoing.

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.

On Thursday, January 12, 2026, US President Donald Trump will meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House. This meeting comes after the US abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier in January. Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, has had limited involvement in US discussions about Venezuela's future, with Trump expressing doubts about her leadership potential. Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former vice president, is currently serving as interim president under pressure from the US. Prior to the meeting, Machado met with Pope Leo XIV to discuss the situation in Venezuela and advocate for the release of political prisoners.

The United States' bid to control Venezuela's oil sector has highlighted the country's heavy crude oil reserves, which are particularly lucrative for US refineries. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, with most of them located in the Orinoco Oil Belt, a dense and viscous region that requires specialized methods for extraction. The country's heavy, sour crude is more difficult and costly to refine into petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel. Industry analysts say tapping the basin's true potential will require significant investment. Venezuela's oil reserves are primarily composed of heavy, sour grades, which are in high demand by US refiners. This development has significant implications for the global energy market and the US refining industry.

In Venezuela, acting president Delcy Rodriguez held a meeting with the country's cabinet ministers on January 5, 2026, following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez has indicated her openness to collaboration with the United States. In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning, stating that there would be serious consequences if Rodriguez does not cooperate. The meeting and Trump's statement highlight the uncertain political situation in Venezuela and the potential for international involvement. The reasons for Maduro's abduction were not mentioned in the article.

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has pledged to return to Venezuela "as soon as possible." Speaking from abroad after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado expressed concern over an escalating internal crackdown by the current regime, including the detention of journalists and persecution of those supporting U.S. actions. She cited a sweeping executive order signed by Maduro before his capture that mandates the persecution of Venezuelans who support Trump’s actions. Machado emphasized the need for close monitoring of the situation by the United States and the Venezuelan people to ensure a successful transition. She also criticized Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in as the new leader, deeming her unfit to lead any transitional authority.

Following Nicolas Maduro's arrest by U.S. forces and arraignment in a New York court, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on Monday. Maduro pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, insisting he was still the legitimate president and a "prisoner of war." The swearing-in ceremony in Venezuela's parliament included demands for Maduro's release. The U.S. defended its actions at the UN, citing Maduro's illegitimacy and the need to secure Venezuela's energy reserves. Venezuela's UN ambassador condemned the U.S. operation as an "illegitimate armed attack."

Following the U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026, uncertainty surrounds Venezuela's economic future. The U.S. announced it will control Venezuelan oil sales "indefinitely," raising concerns about revenue for Caracas. The U.S. plans to market sanctioned oil, holding proceeds in U.S. Treasury accounts to be shared between the two countries. A deal was also struck for Venezuela to export up to $2 billion worth of crude oil to the U.S. In the long term, the U.S. may ease sanctions on Venezuelan oil imports and equipment. The impact on Venezuela's economy hinges on sanctions relief, relations with the U.S., and control of oil revenues, especially considering that nearly 80% of Venezuela's budget was allocated to social spending.

Following a hypothetical military operation removing Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, President Trump claims US oil companies could be operational there within 18 months. He suggests the companies would be reimbursed for their investments by the US government or through revenue generated. Trump believes increased Venezuelan oil production would benefit the US by lowering oil prices. However, analysts are skeptical, citing the need for a stable government, the high costs involved, and the time required to restore Venezuela's oil output. Chevron, the only US firm currently operating in Venezuela, stated it remains focused on employee safety and compliance with regulations. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, but its production has declined significantly.

Donald Trump predicts that US oil companies will invest billions in Venezuela to revitalize its oil production within 18 months after Nicolás Maduro's removal. However, industry experts are skeptical, citing the need for US government guarantees to offset the high risks and costs associated with rebuilding Venezuela's damaged oil infrastructure. Major US oil companies like ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron have not confirmed any investment plans. Analysts estimate it could take at least three years to significantly increase production, with initial efforts focused on securing contracts and reconstruction before any meaningful output increase. Experts suggest that while interest in Venezuelan oil exists, the appetite for heavy investment remains low due to the country's uncertain future.

In January 2026, the United States bombed Venezuela and overthrew President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro and his wife were abducted by U.S. forces and transported to a detention center in New York. There, Maduro is being questioned regarding alleged drug-trafficking charges. The U.S. action follows months of escalating threats and pressure tactics against the Venezuelan government. The events mark a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations.

According to Venezuelan officials, a U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," to capture President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, resulted in approximately 100 deaths. The operation, led by Delta Force, took place over the weekend. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported Maduro sustained a leg injury and his wife, Cilia Flores, a head injury. Cuba claims 32 of its military personnel, who were in Venezuela at the request of the government, were also killed during the operation. A U.S. official stated that seven U.S. service members were injured, with five already returned to duty. Venezuela has declared a week of mourning for the deceased military members.

In January 2026, abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are scheduled to appear in a New York court to face drug-related charges. U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the U.S. is in control of Venezuela and threatened further military action against the country. Trump also issued a threat against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and warned Mexico to improve its performance. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the U.S. actions in Venezuela. These events follow a period of heightened tensions and ongoing disputes involving the U.S. and various Latin American nations.