Published on 6/23/2026
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said on Monday that the United States’ overthrow of Nicolas Maduro had put Venezuela on the “right track.”
Rodriguez – who previously served as Vice President – took power after Maduro was arrested by US special forces during a military operation in Caracas last January, and denied allegations that the United States was managing Venezuela’s affairs.
Since then, Rodriguez has reopened the country to private investment and foreign interests under the tight supervision of US President Donald Trump.
During a speech delivered by Rodriguez at a ceremony held in Caracas, she celebrated the resumption of diplomatic relations with Washington since Maduro’s arrest.
She said, “January 3, 2026 represented a turning point in national politics and in our view of international relations.”
Rodriguez added – in the presence of international guests – that Venezuela could not have imagined the post-Maduro era at this time last year.
She continued, “Almost 6 months have passed, and I feel that this was the right path,” indicating the possibility of settling the existing disputes between Venezuela and the United States through diplomatic channels.
Strengthening the relationship with Washington
Caracas and Washington restored diplomatic relations after years of estrangement, and US sanctions imposed on the Venezuelan oil sector were eased as Trump sought to seize its rich resources.
The Trump administration cooperated with Rodriguez, a former ally of Nicolas Maduro, as Washington sent the Ministers of Energy and the Interior to Caracas, accompanied by potential investors.
Last March, Washington officially recognized Rodriguez as the leader of Venezuela, which paved the way for her government to reopen the embassy and consulates in the United States and regain control of Venezuelan companies abroad.
Maduro is in a New York prison where he faces charges related to drug trafficking.
Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, was present during Rodriguez’s speech at the ceremony yesterday, Monday.
