Overview
- President Donald Trump confirmed a lengthy call with interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, praised her as “fantastic,” and said ties with Venezuela are progressing, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading talks.
- Rodríguez said the conversation covered a bilateral work agenda and asserted that an excarceration drive remains open.
- The interim government cites 406 people released since December, while Foro Penal verifies about 193 cases and demands transparent lists as families seek proof of whereabouts.
- Trump highlighted discussions on oil, minerals, trade, and national security, touting agreements to receive millions of barrels of Venezuelan crude.
- The White House will meet opposition leader María Corina Machado on Jan. 15, as Peru confirmed the release in Venezuela of citizen Marco Antonio Madrid Martínez with consular contact established.