On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had an "excellent phone conversation" with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez. He emphasized that the two governments are making "remarkable strides" as Washington aids Venezuela in its efforts to "stabilize and recover."
Trump took to Truth Social to declare, "This partnership between the United States and Venezuela will be spectacular for everyone," highlighting discussions on oil, minerals, trade, and national security.
In his message, Trump asserted that Venezuela is on the path to becoming "great and prosperous once again, perhaps more than ever!" framing the call as part of a new understanding with the interim government in Caracas following the capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier in January.
Earlier in the day, Trump elaborated on the discussion, describing it as "excellent" and "lengthy," covering "many topics," and assured that the relationship is "going very well."
During the same briefing, he praised Rodríguez as "a wonderful person" and noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is involved in the negotiations with Caracas.
Both parties described the dialogue as positive, addressing energy and security issues amidst a backdrop of potential thawing after years of tension and sanctions.
Trump's message reiterated that oil remains a central theme in the rapprochement.
At a White House press conference, Trump mentioned that Venezuela "provided" 50 million barrels, a statement that has varied recently between being a total volume and daily references in other media reports.
Trump's declaration comes as the U.S. administration advances its strategy towards Venezuela post-Maduro's capture.
In this context, Trump is scheduled to meet with opposition leader María Corina Machado at the White House, continuing a series of engagements that keep attention on how Washington's dialogue with Venezuelan actors will be structured.
On Wednesday, Trump presented the communication with Rodríguez as part of a cooperative phase with the interim government, alongside internal decisions in Venezuela and the debate over the country's political direction.
U.S. and Venezuela Relationship Insights
What topics were discussed between Trump and Rodríguez?
The discussion covered oil, minerals, trade, and national security.
Who is involved in the U.S.-Venezuela negotiations?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is participating in the negotiations with Caracas.
What is the significance of the 50 million barrels mentioned by Trump?
The 50 million barrels reference signifies Venezuela's contributions in oil, which are part of the discussions between the two countries.