Initial U.S. Presence in Caracas
A small group of U.S. personnel is operating in Caracas as Washington works to resume diplomatic relations with Venezuela following the historic capture of Nicolás Maduro.
A senior State Department official confirmed that a “limited number” of diplomatic and technical staff are in Caracas conducting initial assessments for a potential phased reopening of U.S. operations. This would include the eventual reopening of the U.S. embassy and consulates in the country. The exact number of staff on the ground has not been disclosed.
Trump Meets Venezuelan Opposition Leaders
Since Maduro’s capture, the Trump administration has approached Venezuela cautiously. Initially, President Trump said the U.S. would temporarily “run” the country, but he has since focused on supporting democratic processes.
Trump met with opposition leader María Corina Machado, who confirmed that Venezuela will eventually hold free and fair elections, though she did not give a specific timeline. Machado emphasized that her engagement with the U.S. is not about competing with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, but about dismantling Maduro’s criminal regime.
Interim Government and Future Elections
On January 15, Delcy Rodríguez, who became Venezuela’s interim president after Maduro’s capture, met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe. A U.S. official said the meeting aimed to signal America’s desire for a stronger working relationship.
This came one day after Rodríguez had a phone call with Trump, which the president described as “very good.” Machado also stressed that U.S. support is intended to stabilize the country and strengthen democratic governance rather than create internal political tension.
Stabilization and Economic Talks Underway
President Trump praised the progress on Truth Social, noting that talks have included discussions on oil, minerals, trade, and national security. He added that the partnership between the U.S. and Venezuela could make the country “great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before.”
The phased resumption of U.S. diplomatic activity aims to stabilize Venezuela, support economic recovery, and prepare for democratic elections in the future.
