US lifts sanctions on Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodríguez

The United States has removed sanctions from Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president of Venezuela. This decision follows a military operation in Caracas where US forces captured former leader Nicolás Maduro and his spouse three months prior, transporting them to New York for drug trafficking charges. Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice-president and remained a key ally, was placed on the sanctions list in 2018 due to allegations of undermining democratic processes.

Rodríguez was appointed interim president by Venezuela’s National Assembly, which is controlled by Maduro’s supporters, shortly after the US raid. Former President Trump referred to her as “a terrific person,” though her tenure has faced scrutiny from domestic critics. The removal from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, which restricts US assets and business dealings, was welcomed by Rodríguez herself.

“This is a significant step in the right direction to normalise and strengthen relations between our countries,” Rodríguez stated in a post on X.

A White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, highlighted the progress made in fostering stability, economic recovery, and political unity in Venezuela. “Delcy Rodríguez is doing a great job and working closely with the United States,” Kelly said. However, in Caracas, opposition figures expressed concern, arguing that the US should continue pressuring Rodríguez to release remaining political prisoners.

Since Maduro’s ousting, the US has intensified engagement with Venezuela. This includes reopening its embassy in Caracas after seven years of closure and sending a diplomatic team to Washington to resume relations. High-level US delegations have also visited to explore access to Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources. Despite these efforts, critics remain cautious about the lack of focus on restoring democratic elections.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who is in exile following her Nobel Peace Prize win in December, recently met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Though sidelined by Trump in favor of Rodríguez, Machado viewed the session as “excellent,” acknowledging Rubio’s commitment to democracy and the well-being of Venezuelans.

“Ultimately, there will have to be a transition phase. Free and fair elections in Venezuela must come,” Rubio emphasized after the meeting. “It’s not forever, but we need patience and cannot be complacent,” he added, without specifying a timeline for the elections.

While over 300 detainees have been freed under an amnesty law, Foro Penal, a prisoners’ rights group, reports that nearly 500 political prisoners still remain incarcerated. The lifting of sanctions marks another phase in the warming ties between the Trump administration and Rodríguez’s government, signaling a shift in diplomatic strategy.