American flag raised, flies over US Embassy in Venezuela building for first time in 7 years

After seven years, the American flag was raised again over the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela on Saturday. The embassy had been closed since March 2019 when diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Venezuela were severed. The reopening comes months after former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces in January. Maduro is currently being held in a federal jail in New York, facing charges including narco-terrorism and weapons offenses; his wife also faces related charges. While the embassy compound is still undergoing renovations, the U.S. Embassy signaled the flag raising as the start of a new era in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with some residents expressing optimism about improved international ties.

The American flag was raised at the US embassy in Venezuela on Saturday, marking its first appearance since 2019. This event signals a shift in relations between the US and Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by American troops in January. While the flag is now displayed, the embassy building is currently undergoing renovations, and the reopening date remains uncertain. The move follows statements of support from US President Donald Trump for acting President Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's successor, who has been engaged in negotiations with the American government. The US embassy team noted that the flag was raised exactly seven years after its removal. The flag raising has garnered attention from residents in Caracas.

In March 2026, the United States reopened its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, seven years after it was closed. Charge d’Affaires Laura Dogu announced the resumption of diplomatic activities, signaling a new era in US-Venezuela relations. The reopening follows the restoration of diplomatic ties earlier in the month and a US military operation in January that led to the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro. Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former vice president, now serves as interim president with the Trump administration's approval. The Trump administration has reportedly been pressing Rodriguez's government for concessions, including access to Venezuela's oil reserves and natural resources.