Trump Sets Meeting With Venezuela Opposition Leader as Prisoner Releases Face Dispute

Overview

• The White House confirmed President Trump will meet María Corina Machado in Washington on Thursday, after initially dismissing her as a potential leader.
• Venezuela’s interim government says 116 political detainees have been freed, while human-rights groups report lower totals and relatives keep vigil outside prisons.
• A detainee’s death under state custody was reported by NGOs; prosecutors attributed it to a sudden medical event after transfer to a Caracas hospital.
• Trump shared an image portraying himself as Venezuela’s “interim president,” ordered an embargo on U.S. proceeds from Venezuelan oil, and kept naval pressure in the Caribbean.
• Trump vowed to halt Venezuelan oil and funds to Cuba; Havana said there are no political talks with Washington, and Caracas issued a statement invoking non-intervention and longstanding ties with Cuba.