Since the Trump administration arrested Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and left Delcy Rodriguez in charge of Venezuela, the country’s new president has become a friend to the United States, bringing her country into the fold. In March, the United States agreed with Rodriguez’s interim government to reestablish diplomatic relations, announcing:
The United States and Venezuela’s interim authorities have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations. This step will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela.
Our engagement is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a phased process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.
The United States remains committed to supporting the Venezuelan people and working with partners across the region to advance stability and prosperity.
Since the announcement, there has been a flurry of activity between the two countries, including the reestablishment of direct flights from Miami to Caracas.
📍Miami International Airport: “That’s something you haven’t seen up on the board for the past 7 years—Caracas, Venezuela.”
A symbol of “how much has changed in Venezuela over the past 117 days since Nicolás Maduro was taken by U.S. forces.” pic.twitter.com/rj17OBLjBP
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 30, 2026
Perhaps most importantly for both the United States and Venezuela, though, is the reestablishment of oil company operations in Venezuela. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has been leading efforts to bring Venezuela and American oil companies together on terms that can work for both sides. Burgum touted “turning Venezuela from a sanctioned adversary into a strategic ally” on X.com.
Between turning Venezuela from a sanctioned adversary into a strategic ally to announcing the first new oil refinery in the U.S. in DECADES, @POTUS is firing on ALL cylinders unlocking our energy potential.
More jobs. Lower prices. American Energy DOMINANCE. pic.twitter.com/13SrMnQWSA
— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) March 11, 2026
Rodriguez herself has touted the new relationship, telling American officials and oil executives, “Please tell President Trump, who is a man of action, that here too there are men and women of action, and we have given our word to build solid foundations for a long-term relationship.”
