On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he had an extended phone conversation with Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez. He described her as a “fantastic person” and highlighted the successful collaboration between their administrations.
According to reports from EFE, Trump told the press in the Oval Office that the discussion was “excellent,” covering “a variety of topics,” and expressed that the bilateral relationship is progressing positively.
Venezuelan diplomatic sources, also cited by EFE, confirmed that the conversation took place on Wednesday. They characterized it as “very extensive and very good,” with an “excellent” tone, as both sides are reportedly making efforts to restore formal diplomatic channels that have been severed for years.
During a White House press conference, Trump emphasized the productive nature of the dialogue. “We received 50 million barrels of oil. We just had a great conversation today, and she is a wonderful person. She is someone we have worked very well with. Marco Rubio is involved, and I have worked on this with him. This morning, we had a long call, discussed many things, and I believe we are coming together very well with Venezuela,” he stated.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump mentioned the “extraordinary progress” being made to assist Venezuela in stabilizing and recovering. “We covered many subjects, including oil, minerals, trade, and, of course, national security. This alliance between the United States and Venezuela will be spectacular for everyone. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more than ever!” he wrote.
The U.S. president's announcement comes a day before he is set to welcome opposition leader María Corina Machado to the White House. This sequence of engagements has sparked interest in how Washington's interaction with Caracas will shape up during this transition period, as noted by EFE.
In recent days, Trump discussed an agreement to receive between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil (as a total volume), without describing it as a “daily” delivery.
Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Caracas on January 3, leading to their transfer to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
On Wednesday, Rodríguez also announced the release of 406 political prisoners, stating that the process of liberation “remains open.”
Key Developments in U.S.-Venezuela Relations
What was discussed in Trump's call with Delcy Rodríguez?
The call covered a range of topics, including oil, minerals, trade, and national security, highlighting the strengthening alliance between the United States and Venezuela.
What recent actions has Delcy Rodríguez taken as interim president?
Rodríguez has announced the release of 406 political prisoners and indicated that the process of releasing detainees is ongoing.
Why were Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores arrested?
Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were apprehended in Caracas and transferred to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking.