Venezuela’s Rodriguez vows release of more prisoners, holds call with Trump

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.

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.

Venezuela has begun releasing detained American citizens, a move the US State Department calls "an important step." This is the first release of Americans since Nicolás Maduro's removal in January following a US military operation. The UN reports Venezuela has released about 50 prisoners out of an estimated 800 political prisoners. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, announced the releases as a "goodwill gesture." Donald Trump claimed the releases were happening "in a BIG WAY" and cited it as the reason for cancelling further airstrikes. However, critics like Ramón Guanipa argue the releases are insufficient and urge caution until all political prisoners are freed, accusing the government of using detentions to silence dissent, particularly after the disputed 2024 election.

In January 2026, Venezuela's interim government released several imprisoned U.S. citizens, marking the first such releases since the U.S. military captured former President Nicolás Maduro. The State Department welcomed the move as a step in the right direction, with at least three Americans freed as of Tuesday night, including one from a Caracas prison. Rights groups estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated in Venezuela, and the interim government has promised to release a significant number of detainees. While some political prisoners from Italy and Spain have also been released, Foro Penal, a leading human rights organization, has denounced the slow pace of releases. Under Maduro, the Venezuelan government often used international prisoners as bargaining chips in negotiations.

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the US, the Venezuelan regime, led by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, has touted a "mass release" of political prisoners. Congressional president Jorge Rodríguez claims over 400 people have been released, including releases before Maduro's capture. However, NGOs verify significantly fewer releases and estimate around 1,000 political prisoners remain. Despite the releases, repression continues, with reports of citizens being detained and facing restrictions. The US has welcomed the release of detained Americans, calling it a step in the right direction, but the exact number of released US citizens is unconfirmed. NGOs demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners, as many of those freed still face charges and restrictions.

The Venezuelan government announced a planned release of a significant number of political prisoners, raising hopes for many families. However, officials have provided no specifics regarding who will be freed or when the releases will occur. Hundreds of families across Venezuela are anxiously awaiting news, with some even traveling to prisons in anticipation. The announcement follows a long period of systemic repression and imprisonment of individuals considered political prisoners. One specific case involves Nélida Sánchez, who was lured into custody by secret police and has been held for over 16 months in El Helicoide, a prison known for torture. Despite the government's announcement, families remain in limbo, awaiting the promised releases.

Following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro and the installation of Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader in Venezuela, there are hints of political amnesty. Rodríguez's government announced the release of an "important number" of political prisoners, further fueled by President Trump's statement about a large-scale release. However, the actual number of prisoners released has been significantly lower than expected. As of Monday, the government claimed 116 releases, while rights groups have only confirmed 41 since Maduro's removal. The slow pace has led to uncertainty regarding Rodríguez's intentions and her control over security agencies, leaving approximately 800 political prisoners still detained. The situation has created a mix of hope and frustration among Venezuelans.

Following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by the United States on January 3, 2026, Venezuela has released at least 116 prisoners arrested during his presidency for allegedly disrupting constitutional order. The Ministry of Penitentiary Services announced the releases, which began on Thursday, January 9, 2026, after pressure from US President Donald Trump. Among those released were two Italian citizens, prompting Italy to pledge improved relations with Venezuela. Human rights groups, who estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuela, have long called for these releases. While the government claims over 100 releases, Foro Penal, a human rights organization, reports a lower number of 41. Maduro is currently imprisoned in New York, facing drug-trafficking charges.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump indicated that the US role in Venezuela could last for years following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces. Trump refrained from giving a specific timeline but suggested it would extend beyond a year. The US has asserted control over Venezuela, particularly its oil sales, despite claims from interim leader Delcy Rodriguez that no foreign power governs Caracas. Trump stated the US is working well with Rodriguez's government, while the Venezuelan interior minister reported that 100 people were killed during the US operation to abduct Maduro. Maduro was taken to New York to face drug and weapons charges.

In a New York Times interview on January 8, 2026, President Trump stated that the U.S. oversight of Venezuela, including oil extraction, could last for years. He indicated the U.S. would rebuild Venezuela profitably, using and taking its oil to lower prices and provide the country with needed funds. These remarks followed administration officials announcing plans to control Venezuela's oil sales indefinitely. While Republicans largely support the administration's actions, Democrats have expressed concerns about a potentially lengthy intervention without clear legal justification. Trump did not specify a timeline for the U.S. role in Venezuela, suggesting it would be "much longer" than a few months.

Venezuela is open to a potential oil deal with the US, according to interim president Delcy Rodríguez, despite strained relations. This comes as the US, under Donald Trump's administration, asserts control over Venezuelan oil resources. JD Vance stated Venezuela can only sell oil if it benefits US interests. The US plans to manage Venezuelan crude sales, potentially influencing global oil prices. Trump announced a deal to access up to $2 billion of Venezuelan crude and declared that Venezuela will only buy US-made products with the profits. The US aims to control all oil transport in and out of Venezuela through approved channels, raising concerns about US influence over global oil supplies.

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.

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 the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the United States, Venezuela is experiencing intensified repression. Security forces are searching phones, interrogating citizens, and detaining individuals suspected of celebrating Maduro's removal. This crackdown occurs as the interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, publicly demands Maduro's release and condemns the U.S. action. Despite this criticism, the U.S. expresses confidence in Rodríguez's cooperation, with indications suggesting potential alignment. The situation highlights the continued presence of Maduro's political and security apparatus, and a worsening of daily life for Venezuelans. At least 14 journalists and six citizens were detained; most have been released.

Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will be "turning over" $2 billion in crude oil to the United States. Trump stated the funds from the sale, controlled by him, would benefit both the Venezuelan and US people. The deal could divert Venezuelan oil supplies away from China, Venezuela's top buyer since US sanctions in 2020. The agreement follows the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces and demands for US access to Venezuela's oil industry. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright will oversee the transfer of oil from ships to US ports. Currently, Chevron is the only company exporting Venezuelan oil to the US under a US authorization, shipping between 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day. It is unclear if Venezuela will have access to the proceeds due to existing sanctions.

In January 2026, the US government announced it would control Venezuelan oil sales "indefinitely." The US Department of Energy stated it has begun marketing Venezuelan oil globally, with proceeds deposited in US-controlled accounts. These funds will be disbursed at the US government's discretion for the benefit of both American and Venezuelan people. This action follows the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and amid a pressure campaign by the Trump administration. The US also seized Venezuela-linked vessels for allegedly violating US sanctions, including a Russian-flagged ship in the North Atlantic. The US plans to control Venezuela's oil reserves, with an initial sale of 30-50 million barrels anticipated.

In January 2026, the U.S. is pressuring the interim Venezuelan government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, to expel advisors from Cuba, China, Russia, and Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined these demands in a classified meeting with congressional leaders. The U.S. seeks the removal of spies and military personnel from these countries, while potentially allowing some diplomats to remain. This follows the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces and aims to reopen the oil trade between Venezuela and the United States, potentially requiring Venezuela to alter its nationalized oil industry. Rodríguez is attempting to balance protecting Venezuela's sovereignty with avoiding antagonism from the U.S.

Following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by US military forces, Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, asserted that Venezuela is not being governed by any foreign agent. This statement comes after Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges in a New York court. Venezuela's prosecutor general condemned the US military operation as an act of terrorism and demanded Maduro's release. The operation, which resulted in numerous deaths, has been widely criticized as a violation of international law, with Venezuela and Cuba reporting military casualties. While President Trump initially stated the US would "run" Venezuela, Secretary of State Rubio later clarified that the US would guide the country's direction through sanctions and access to its oil industry.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado praised Donald Trump in a Fox News interview, offering to share her Nobel Peace Prize with him. This occurred after the U.S. captured Nicolás Maduro and Trump declined to support Machado as a successor. Machado appealed to Trump, who has instead conditionally backed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader, citing Machado's lack of support within Venezuela. Machado stated the opposition would transform Venezuela into a U.S. ally and energy hub, seeking to attract foreign investment and repatriate Venezuelan refugees. The interview took place on Monday, marking Machado's first televised appearance since Maduro's capture. The future of Venezuela's leadership and potential elections remain uncertain.

In January 2026, leading Democratic and Republican politicians in the US Congress received a briefing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding a US operation to seize Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro. The briefing took place in the United States, though the article does not specify the exact location. The purpose of the briefing was to inform key members of Congress about the details and rationale behind the US operation targeting the Venezuelan leader. Following the briefing, these politicians provided their reactions, indicating the significance of the event for US foreign policy and relations with Venezuela. The article does not elaborate on the specific reactions given by the politicians.

Following Nicolás Maduro's capture in a US raid, Venezuela's opposition initially celebrated, anticipating a new democratic era under María Corina Machado. However, President Trump quickly dashed those hopes, stating Machado lacked sufficient "respect" and signaling support for Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader. Trump conditioned his support on Rodríguez opening Venezuela's oil reserves to American companies. This decision has caused confusion and frustration within the Venezuelan opposition, who feel their leader has been sidelined. Analysts note the opposition is disappointed by Trump's decision not to back Machado or Edmundo González. Despite this setback, Machado publicly praised Trump's actions while remaining outside of Venezuela.

Venezuela faces a potential economic collapse in 2026 due to a U.S. blockade on its energy exports. Internal government projections estimate a 70% drop in oil production this year, crippling the country's primary revenue source. The U.S. is targeting tankers carrying Venezuelan crude, paralyzing exports and forcing the state oil company, PDVSA, to use storage tanks as temporary holding. Storage capacity is expected to run out by the end of January, leading to a rapid production decline from 1.2 million to under 300,000 barrels per day. This drastic reduction would severely limit Venezuela's ability to import goods and maintain essential services. The U.S. Secretary of State stated that sanctions would remain until Venezuela opens its oil industry to foreign investment.

The Trump administration is reportedly planning meetings with US oil company executives to discuss increasing Venezuelan oil production following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro. These meetings are considered crucial for re-establishing US oil company operations in Venezuela, which were nationalized nearly two decades ago. However, Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron have stated they have not yet had discussions with the administration, contradicting Trump's claims. Boosting Venezuelan oil production would require significant investment and time, despite the country holding the world's largest oil reserves and having crude oil compatible with US refineries. The White House has not commented on the upcoming meetings.

Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president in Caracas on January 5, 2026. The ceremony, shown on Venezuelan state TV, formalized Rodriguez's assumption of power. She took office following the reported abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, who is facing narco-terrorism charges in New York. Rodriguez previously served as Vice President. The circumstances surrounding Maduro's removal and Rodriguez's subsequent appointment remain unclear.

Nicolas Maduro, former president of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York City courtroom for their arraignment after being captured by US forces in Caracas on January 3rd. It was Maduro's first court appearance since his capture. Both Maduro and Flores were in handcuffs and leg shackles as they faced a judge. They are charged with crimes including narcoterrorism. The BBC reported that both Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to the charges. They are due to stand trial at a later date.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to drug and weapon charges in a New York City courtroom on Monday. Maduro, who claims he was kidnapped from his home in Caracas on January 3rd, declared himself a "prisoner of war" during the arraignment. The couple was arrested by US forces in Venezuela on Saturday in a surprise operation involving strikes on military bases. Dressed in jail attire, Maduro and Flores listened to the proceedings through Spanish translation headphones. The 40-minute hearing was held in the same courtroom where Sean "Diddy" Combs was previously tried.

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in Caracas, Venezuelans are reacting with a mix of hope and worry. The U.S. accuses Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime, allegations he denies, and intends to hold him in New York City on drug trafficking and weapons charges. While some Venezuelans express gratitude towards the U.S. for removing Maduro, citing a renewed sense of hope, others fear the uncertainty of the future. Supporters of Maduro have rallied in Caracas, demanding his release and condemning the U.S. action as a kidnapping. The U.S. plans to manage Venezuela, including its oil reserves, until a replacement for Maduro is established, leaving the country's future unclear.

In a New Year's Eve interview, just hours before his capture by U.S. forces in Caracas, Nicolás Maduro made a final plea for peace to the American public and President Trump. Maduro, driving around Caracas, claimed Venezuela was a friendly nation and government, offering the slogan "No war. Yes peace." He accused Trump of seeking pretexts for invasion while asserting his desire for a peaceful resolution. Maduro also presented a red hat with his peace slogan, mimicking Trump's "Make America Great Again" cap. The interview, broadcast on Venezuelan state television, provided insight into Maduro's mindset as the U.S. military closed in, revealing his attempt to portray himself as a peace-loving leader despite previous defiant statements.

Nicolas Maduro, born in Caracas in 1962, rose from a working-class background to become the authoritarian president of Venezuela for over a decade. His political journey began in organized labor, leading to involvement with the Socialist League of Venezuela and political training in Cuba. He later founded a transport workers' union before entering formal politics. Maduro's presidency ended abruptly on January 3, 2026, when U.S. forces abducted him and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, to face drug- and weapons-related charges in a U.S. court. His early life included an interest in Western rock music and student politics, though his high school graduation is unconfirmed.

On January 4, 2026, the United States allegedly conducted a swift regime change operation in Venezuela. According to the report, the US bombed Venezuela and abducted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife from their compound in Caracas. The report states that Maduro and his wife were then taken to a detention center in New York. The article details the alleged overnight events leading to this change in power. The reasons behind the US's alleged actions were not specified in the provided information.

Satellite imagery reveals damage to Venezuela's largest military base, Fuerte Tiuna, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday. The images, released by Vantor, a space technology company, show that at least five buildings within the Caracas-based complex were destroyed. The damage also includes a gate and security building located in a wooded area near the compound. The imagery shows cargo containers and military vehicles near the destroyed buildings, but their contents are unknown. Fuerte Tiuna, built into a mountainside south of Caracas, is a military complex with fortifications and roads. The imagery provides visual evidence of the impact of the operation at the Venezuelan military base.

A video circulating in news feeds purportedly shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in US custody on January 4, 2026. The video allegedly depicts Maduro arriving at a Drug Enforcement Agency detention center in New York. According to the news feed, US forces seized Maduro and his wife in a raid on Caracas. The stated reason for the seizure is to bring Maduro to the US to face drug-trafficking charges. The authenticity of the video and the details surrounding the alleged arrest remain unconfirmed.

Explosions were reported in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with the cause of the blasts currently unknown. The incident follows months of increasing pressure from the United States on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. government accuses of leading a "narco-terrorist" state and controlling drug trafficking groups. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Caribbean since late August, engaging in operations against vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling. These actions have resulted in numerous deaths and have been criticized as potential extrajudicial killings. The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.

Cilia Flores, Venezuela's first lady and wife of Nicolás Maduro, was captured alongside him and taken to the United States on January 3, 2026. Flores is a powerful political figure in Venezuela who has built influence over decades, shaping the judicial system and embedding loyalists within state institutions. She rose to prominence through her association with Hugo Chávez and played a critical role in consolidating Maduro's power after Chávez's death in 2013. Flores is considered a central figure in Venezuelan corruption, with her family amassing significant wealth. She and Maduro have been partners since the late 1990s, marrying in 2013 when he became president.

In a social media post on Saturday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as legal. Vance stated that Maduro has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism, justifying the action as bringing him to justice. Vance added that President Maduro was offered multiple opportunities to cease drug trafficking and return "stolen oil" to the United States, referring to the nationalization of American oil fields in Venezuela. The capture is the latest escalation in a series of U.S. actions against Venezuela, including bombing suspected drug boats and blockading oil tankers. Maduro, Venezuela's leader since 2013, has denied the U.S. accusations.