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

A senior US official announced that Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, will visit the United States, marking a significant shift in relations between the two countries. This would be the first visit by a sitting Venezuelan president in over 25 years, excluding UN meetings in New York. Rodriguez stated she approaches dialogue with the US "without fear," aiming to address differences and difficulties through diplomacy. The invitation signals a change in US-Venezuela relations following the removal of Nicolas Maduro by US Delta Force operatives on narcotrafficking charges. The visit indicates a willingness from the US to engage with Venezuela's new leadership.

In January 2026, divisions are emerging among Venezuelans following the U.S. invasion and capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The interim government, comprised of Maduro's inner circle, is now collaborating with the United States, a stark contrast to the anti-American stance of former President Hugo Chávez. This shift has disillusioned some staunch "Chavistas" who believe Venezuela should cut off oil sales to the U.S. to pressure Maduro's return. Initial anti-American protests have diminished as the government promotes the new alliance. The interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, is attempting to balance anti-American rhetoric with the reality of the new relationship with Washington.

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 María Corina Machado stated her intention to lead Venezuela "when the right time comes," a day after presenting Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. This comes after the U.S. seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and, instead of endorsing Machado, has been engaging with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice-president. Trump cited the U.S. experience in Iraq as informing his decision to work with Rodríguez, aiming to avoid instability. Rodríguez and the CIA director met to discuss potential economic collaboration and preventing Venezuela from becoming a haven for U.S. adversaries. Machado expressed confidence in an "orderly transition" in Venezuela and positioned herself as part of a larger movement against what she calls a "criminal structure."

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.

Venezuelan envoy Félix Plasencia is scheduled to visit Washington D.C. on Thursday for the first official trip by a representative of the ruling "chavismo" movement in years. The visit aims to initiate the reopening of the Venezuelan embassy and signals a thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. Plasencia, Venezuela's ambassador to the UK and ally of interim president Delcy Rodríguez, will arrive on the same day President Trump is set to meet with opposition leader María Corina Machado, who disputes Rodríguez's legitimacy. It remains unclear which U.S. officials will meet with Plasencia. American diplomats made a similar visit to Venezuela last week.

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.

According to Venezuela's Defence Ministry, a US attack on Caracas on January 3, 2026, resulted in the deaths of 83 people, including 47 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban soldiers assigned to President Maduro's security detail. The attack, which involved bombings and helicopter landings, led to the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The revised death toll is significantly higher than initial reports. Venezuela's Interior Minister stated that DNA testing is required to identify some victims due to the severity of the bombings. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has declared seven days of mourning and met with the CIA director to discuss potential issues.

Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela released a "large number" of political prisoners, including opposition candidate Enrique Marquez and several foreign nationals, on January 9, 2026. The releases occurred after Maduro's former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, became interim leader with the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump. The move is seen as a concession to the U.S., which seeks access to Venezuela's oil reserves. While the exact number and identities of those released were not immediately disclosed, rights groups estimate over 800 political prisoners remain in Venezuelan jails. The White House credited Trump's leverage for securing the prisoners' freedom.

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the US, under Donald Trump, will reportedly receive up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, with the possibility of continued supply and eased sanctions to allow indefinite sales. Trump aims to control the revenue, selling up to $3 billion worth of Venezuelan crude into the global market, potentially driving down oil prices. Global oil prices initially fell on Wednesday in response to the news. This move could disrupt Venezuela's oil exports to China, which currently receives 80% of its crude, potentially increasing tensions between the US and China, who criticized the action as a violation of international law. Trump stated that the US Energy Secretary will oversee the deal, ensuring the oil is directly transported to US ports.

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."

In January 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arraigned in a New York court after being abducted by U.S. special forces in Venezuela. Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including narcoterrorism, while claiming he is a "prisoner of war." He argued he is innocent and still the legitimate president of Venezuela. Other Venezuelan leaders initially echoed this position, but Maduro's deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, who has since taken over as interim president, offered to cooperate with the Trump administration. The Trump administration has framed the abduction as a law enforcement operation, while Maduro's defense is based on the rights afforded to prisoners of war. Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty as a codefendant.

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.

The Venezuelan government has begun releasing political prisoners, including Spanish nationals and prominent activist Rocío San Miguel, as a goodwill gesture. This action follows the US seizure of President Nicolás Maduro to face drug trafficking charges in New York. Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly, announced the release of a "significant number" of prisoners in the interest of national unity. While the exact number of released prisoners remains unclear, hundreds are still detained. Human rights organizations have cautiously welcomed the news. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, appears more cooperative with the US since Maduro's capture, with plans to close the notorious El Helicoide prison where many political opponents were held.

James Luckey-Lange, a 28-year-old American traveler from Staten Island who went missing in Venezuela in early December, is being held by the country's military counterintelligence in Caracas. He was detained shortly after crossing into southern Venezuela from Brazil while meeting local musicians. It is unclear if Luckey-Lange, who had been traveling across Latin America, had the required visa to enter Venezuela. He is one of several Americans detained in Venezuela in recent months, though the identities of the others are unknown. The U.S. government had considered designating Luckey-Lange wrongfully detained. Venezuela has previously used detained Americans as bargaining chips in negotiations with Washington.

On Monday, Venezuelan authorities detained 14 members of the news media in Caracas while they were working at or near the National Assembly. The journalists, many of whom work for international news organizations, were covering the first legislative session since the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. Military officers searched the journalists' cellphones, demanding access to personal data. All 14 were eventually released, but one reporter was deported from the country. Legislators at the session condemned Maduro's capture and demanded his return, while Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president.

President Trump announced the U.S. will govern Venezuela until a transition can occur. On January 3rd, the U.S. launched strikes in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Trump stated the couple was apprehended at a fortified residence and will be transported to New York, with only minor U.S. injuries reported. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Maduro's indictment in New York on drug and weapons charges, stating he will be prosecuted in American courts. In response, Venezuela declared a national emergency, condemning what it described as "extremely serious military aggression" by the U.S.

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's Vice President, was sworn in as interim leader in January 2026. She is known for her leftist background as the daughter of a Marxist guerrilla and her rapid rise in Nicolás Maduro's government. Despite her leftist credentials, Rodríguez has cultivated relationships with Venezuela's business community and foreign investors, spearheading market-friendly economic reforms after the country's economic crisis. While President Trump stated that Rodríguez had been sworn in as Venezuela’s new president, Rodríguez and Maduro's supporters maintain that Maduro is still the legitimate leader. She rose to prominence after Maduro became president in 2013, holding positions such as communications minister and foreign affairs minister.

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.

Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, faces new charges in the Southern District of New York, according to an indictment unsealed on January 3, 2026. The indictment, posted by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleges that Maduro worked with traffickers to send cocaine from Venezuela to the United States, and accuses him of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. His wife, Cilia Flores, is also charged in the cocaine conspiracy. Maduro was previously indicted in 2020 on similar allegations, and his case has been ongoing for years. The new indictment names six defendants, including Maduro and Diosdado Cabello Rondón, a member of the armed forces and vice president of the ruling party. Maduro's son, Nicolas Maduro, is also charged as part of the same conspiracy.