Former President Donald Trump has characterized the recent release of prisoners in Venezuela as a “very important and smart gesture,” signaling a potential thaw in relations between the United States and the South American nation. His remarks, shared on the social media platform Truth Social, come as discussions regarding the reconstruction of Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure gain momentum.
According to Trump, the collaboration between the U.S. and Venezuela is progressing well. He stated, “Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second wave of attacks, which looks like it will not be needed.” The post emphasized that while military vessels would remain in the area for safety and security purposes, the diplomatic tone reflected a shift in strategy.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump mentioned that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., next week. Earlier, he had expressed skepticism about her influence, remarking that “she doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country.” Despite this, Trump’s recent comments indicate a more conciliatory approach towards the Venezuelan government, currently led by acting interim president Delcy Rodriguez.
In the same interview, Trump confirmed plans to meet with oil executives at the White House on Friday. He projected that oil companies would invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela, a figure he reiterated in his Truth Social post. This investment is seen as a pivotal opportunity for the Venezuelan economy, which has been struggling under years of sanctions and mismanagement.
Trump’s statements mark a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Venezuela, a country that has faced international scrutiny for its human rights record and political turmoil. The potential for increased cooperation in the energy sector could have significant implications for both nations, particularly concerning energy security and economic recovery.
As events unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how this new dynamic develops and what it could mean for the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations.
