Venezuela was taken down in hours by the US military. Now the future is before us.
And a high stakes CIA meeting in Venezuela turned everything on its head.
Bold U.S. Diplomacy: CIA Director Meets Venezuela’s Interim Leader
In a decisive step demonstrating America’s renewed strength and influence in the Western Hemisphere, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Caracas on January 15, 2026, to meet with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
This high-level engagement, directed by President Donald Trump, came just two weeks after a successful U.S. military operation captured former dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, removing a long-standing threat to regional stability.
Ratcliffe delivered a clear message: the United States looks forward to an improved working relationship, focused on building trust and cooperation.
The two-hour meeting addressed key priorities, including potential economic collaboration on oil, minerals, and trade, as well as national security.
Officials emphasized that Venezuela must no longer serve as a safe haven for America’s adversaries, particularly narco-traffickers who have long exploited the country’s chaos under Maduro.
This direct outreach reflects Trump’s proactive approach to securing America’s southern flank and promoting prosperity for both nations.
Trump’s Vision for a Stronger Partnership
President Trump reinforced the positive momentum with a glowing Truth Social post following a productive phone call with Rodríguez the same day:
“This morning I had a very good call with the Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez. We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover. Many topics were discussed, including Oil, Minerals, Trade and, of course, National Security. This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!”
Rodríguez has already announced initiatives to release political prisoners held under Maduro’s regime, signaling a “new political moment” and a willingness to move forward.
The U.S. meeting, described as historic as the first by a cabinet-level official since Maduro’s ouster, underscores America’s commitment to guiding Venezuela toward stability without descending into chaos—prioritizing security, economic opportunity, and putting American interests first.
America Leading the Way in the Region
This engagement highlights the effectiveness of Trump’s bold leadership: a swift military action to neutralize Maduro, followed by smart diplomacy to foster a cooperative future.
By engaging Rodríguez—seen by U.S. analysts as the best short-term path to order—America is preventing instability while opening doors for investment and security cooperation. As Venezuela begins to recover, this partnership promises mutual benefits, ensuring the hemisphere is safer and more prosperous under strong U.S. guidance.
