Archive · 28 Jan 2026
US Doubts Venezuela Leader's Cooperation
Delcy Rodríguez, who is now the acting president of Venezuela, recently gave a speech where she said that Venezuela should make its own decisions without the US telling them what to do.
She also mentioned that Venezuela has released many political prisoners, but some people who help prisoners say the numbers might not be correct.
Rodríguez is trying to balance keeping the support of people who were loyal to the previous president, Nicolás Maduro, while also working with the US.
The US wants Venezuela to cut ties with countries like Iran, China, and Russia, but it's not clear if Rodríguez will do that.
The US is also considering other leaders, like Maria Corina Machado, for the future but she doesn't have the right connections yet.
US intelligence reports raise doubts about Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, cooperating with the US by cutting ties with adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia.
Rodríguez has taken steps to stay in favor with Washington, including releasing political prisoners and authorizing oil sales to the US.
The US considers opposition leader Maria Corina Machado a potential longer-term option for leadership in Venezuela, but she currently lacks the necessary ties to the security services or oil sector.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Caracas on January 15, 2024, to discuss the country’s political future with Rodríguez.
The US wants to rein in its foes’ influence in the Western hemisphere, including in Venezuela, to exploit the country’s vast oil reserves and avoid a deeper US military role.
- Who
- Delcy Rodríguez, US President Donald Trump, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado
- What
- US intelligence reports raise doubts about Venezuela's interim president's cooperation with the US, including cutting ties with adversaries and releasing political prisoners.
- When
- The exact date of Rodríguez's speech is not specified, but the release of political prisoners was announced on January 8, 2024. CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Caracas on January 15, 2024.
- Where
- The speech took place in Puerto La Cruz city, Venezuela. CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Caracas, Venezuela.
- Why
- The US wants to rein in its foes’ influence in the Western hemisphere, including in Venezuela, to exploit the country’s vast oil reserves and avoid a deeper US military role. Rodríguez aims to assert Venezuelan independence from US influence and address internal political conflicts.
US Perspective
Venezuela Perspective
Cooperation with US
US Perspective
The US expects Venezuela to cut ties with adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia to allow for US investment in Venezuela's energy sector.
Venezuela Perspective
Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has expressed frustration with US intervention and has not publicly announced a move to cut ties with these countries.
Leadership Transition
US Perspective
The US considers opposition leader Maria Corina Machado a potential longer-term option for leadership in Venezuela, but she currently lacks the necessary ties to the security services or oil sector to run the country successfully.
Venezuela Perspective
Rodríguez, with her deep ties to the oil sector, has taken steps to stay in favor with Washington, such as releasing political prisoners and authorizing oil sales to the US.
- Acting President
- Delcy Rodríguez
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Political Prisoners Released
- 808 (claimed by government), 383 (verified by Foro Penal)
- Location of Speech
- Puerto La Cruz city
- Date of Speech
- Not specified
- CIA Director's Visit
- January 15, 2024
- Opposition Leader
- Maria Corina Machado
- Oil Sales to US
- 30 million to 50 million barrels
