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

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 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.

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.

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.

In her first State of the Union address, Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodríguez delivered a speech to the National Assembly in Caracas on January 15, 2026, balancing anti-U.S. rhetoric with actions seemingly aligned with President Trump's demands. Rodríguez stated she co-wrote the speech with Nicolás Maduro before his capture by U.S. commandos. While condemning the U.S. for Maduro's capture and honoring those who fought against them, she also announced the opening of Venezuelan oil fields and the release of political prisoners, fulfilling U.S. requests. Rodríguez aimed to project stability amid uncertainty, claiming economic recovery driven by oil and zero fuel imports, despite surveys indicating widespread poverty and food insecurity in Venezuela. The Trump administration has threatened Rodríguez with consequences if she doesn't comply with U.S. interests.

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 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.

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 January 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio successfully influenced President Trump to authorize military action leading to the ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The operation, culminating in Maduro's capture by U.S. forces in Caracas, resulted in at least 80 deaths. Maduro and his wife were subsequently taken to New York to face cocaine trafficking charges. Rubio's involvement stems from a long-held goal to remove Maduro from power and potentially grant U.S. companies access to Venezuelan oil. However, the article suggests that the aftermath in Venezuela could impact Rubio's future political aspirations.

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.

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.

Nicolás Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan leader, appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, January 5, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to federal charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation. Maduro, who was captured in Caracas on Saturday by Army Delta Force commandos and transported to the U.S., claimed he was "kidnapped" and declared himself a "prisoner of war." Despite his protests, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein only confirmed his identity. Maduro's lawyer indicated they may challenge the legality of the arrest and the U.S. government's refusal to recognize him as Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted, leaving Venezuela's future uncertain. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Maduro was a fugitive from American justice.

Following deadly US strikes on Venezuela and the capture of its leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the US faced strong international condemnation at a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Monday. Several countries, including Brazil, China, Russia, and Spain, denounced the US actions as a "crime of aggression." Despite Republican assurances that the US is not at war, Democratic Senate leadership cautioned about the potential for a new conflict. The situation has also led to the diversion of over 28,000 federal law enforcement personnel to ICE enforcement and removal operations. The article highlights the international fallout and domestic concerns surrounding the US involvement in Venezuela.

In January 2026, Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, stating he would defend Colombia against potential U.S. intervention. Petro's statement followed Trump's accusations that Colombia was facilitating drug trafficking and his suggestion of military action similar to the recent abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump's remarks were denounced by Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as undue interference in internal affairs and a violation of international law. Petro, a former leftist fighter, has been a vocal critic of Trump's policies and denies the accusations of drug trafficking, asserting his government is actively combating drug production. The escalating tensions highlight a growing rift between the two nations.

At a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting on January 5, 2026, the United States faced condemnation for its capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and military incursion into Venezuela. Even U.S. allies, like France, criticized the action as a violation of international law that undermines international order. U.N. Secretary General António Guterres stated the U.S. violated the U.N. charter, while Russia and China demanded Maduro's release and a halt to further U.S. military action. The U.S. ambassador defended the action as a law enforcement operation against a narcotics fugitive, arguing it made Latin America safer. This was the second recent Security Council meeting addressing U.S. actions regarding Venezuela that were deemed threats to world order.

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.

The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, but his inner circle appears to have survived the strikes on the country. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, next in line for the presidency, and other top officials, including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, issued defiant statements and made public appearances after the attacks. Rodríguez's location was unclear, with reports suggesting she was in Russia at the time of the strikes. The survival of these officials indicates that Venezuela's government remains functional, at least for now. The US intervention raises questions about what happens next, with potential power struggles between military units, rival factions, and guerrilla groups. The Venezuelan opposition's ambitions to exercise power also remain uncertain, with opposition leader María Corina Machado and retired diplomat Edmundo González, considered the legitimate winner of the 2024 presidential election, vying for influence.

On January 3, 2026, low-flying aircraft were observed over Caracas, Venezuela, while multiple explosions occurred throughout the city. The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in several Venezuelan states. The specific targets of the alleged attacks and the extent of the damage remain unclear. The motive behind the purported attacks, according to the Venezuelan government, is to destabilize the country. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

On January 3, 2026, explosions and smoke were reported in Caracas, Venezuela. The events occurred amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Power outages were also reported near a key military base in the capital city. There were also reports of low-flying aircraft over Caracas. Al Jazeera reported on the situation, with Lucia Newman providing details as they became available. The cause of the explosions and the extent of the damage remain unclear.