Overview
- At a White House press conference on the first anniversary of his return to office, President Donald Trump said he may involve María Corina Machado in Venezuela’s future after meeting her last week.
- Trump said his administration is working well with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, installed after the January 3 U.S. operation that removed Nicolás Maduro, who remains in U.S. custody in New York.
- He asserted that many political prisoners have been released and suggested most could be freed, a claim contradicted by NGOs and families who report roughly 200 alleged forced disappearances and only about 150 releases so far, versus 406 excarcerations claimed by the interim government.
- Trump highlighted expectations of massive private oil investment in Venezuela, while the chavista‑controlled parliament announced a package of 29 legal changes that includes plans to reform the Hydrocarbons Law to attract foreign capital.
- Pressed on Maduro, Trump indicated he has no interest in engaging with the detained former president, reinforcing the U.S. alignment with Rodríguez during the transition.