In a significant development for US-Venezuela relations, former President Donald Trump took the initiative in reconnecting with Caracas. He communicated directly with Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodriguez. Rodriguez characterized the hour-long call as “long, productive, and courteous.” It represents a historic step forward after US forces kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores on January 3 in Caracas. In the runup to the discussion, the two leaders focused on a bilateral agenda that could help promote cooperation between the two countries.
Trump’s comments suggested we’re seeing a new shift in US strategy towards Venezuela. He declared the second wave of US attacks to be called off. He framed this compromise as an element of a broader strategy to obtain peace by working with Washington rather than against it. The former president congratulated Rodriguez for her leadership during a turbulent time, calling it the beginning of a new partnership.
“I think we’re getting along very well with Venezuela,” Trump stated, underscoring his commitment to improving relations. He’s set to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado while in the White House. This meeting underscores his deep and abiding interest in Venezuela’s political machinations.
The phone call covered a number of important subjects, highlighted below. It covered oil, minerals, trade and national security — evidence of the wide-ranging interests of both countries. In an interview with InSight Crime, Rodriguez expressed guarded optimism about what lies ahead, declaring that Venezuela is now entering a “new political moment.” She has been vocal about her intentions to free additional prisoners still detained on Maduro’s watch. In recent weeks, she has gained a reputation for freeing over 400 detainees.
Rodriguez highlighted the US’ investment in creating and maintaining peace and prosperity in Venezuela. She stated that “messages of hatred, intolerance, acts of violence will not be permitted,” reinforcing her administration’s intention to move away from divisive rhetoric.
It is a fast-moving, constantly-changing situation. Both leaders are understandably anxious to discover new areas of cooperation that will produce mutual benefits for their countries. Maduro and Flores are now in US custody. This dialogue has the potential to do more than heal partisan divides in Venezuela, it could mend relations with the United States.
