Trump Talks With Venezuela’s Interim Leader as White House Readies Machado Meeting

Overview

• Trump said his long call with Delcy Rodríguez covered oil, minerals, trade and security, praising her as “fantastic,” while she described a respectful, productive work agenda.
• The White House confirmed a Thursday lunch with opposition Nobel laureate María Corina Machado after her offer to give Trump her prize, which the Nobel Institute says cannot be transferred.
• Venezuela plans to send envoy Félix Plasencia to Washington for talks with senior U.S. officials on the same day as Machado’s visit, according to reported plans.
• Detainee releases are accelerating, with the government citing 116 freed this week and 406 since December, NGOs reporting fewer, and journalist Roland Carreño among those released as the U.S. notes Americans have been freed.
• Trump and U.S. energy officials highlighted prospects for renewed access to Venezuelan oil, with companies described as ready to restart operations as both sides move to restore ties.