Acting Delcy Rodriguez has pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained during the presidency of Nicolás Maduro, and described her first telephone conversation with Donald Trump as constructive, in remarks that suggest a possible shift in relations between Caracas and Washington.
Rodríguez, who assumed leadership earlier this month after Maduro was removed from power, said on Wednesday that the process of freeing those imprisoned under the previous government would continue. She made the comments during a press briefing in Caracas and called her discussion with Trump “long, productive and courteous.”
Positive Tone After Diplomatic Talks
Trump posted on his social media platform that the call covered issues including oil, trade, minerals and national security, and described cooperation between the United States and Venezuela as “spectacular.” He called Rodríguez a “terrific person” and noted that his administration’s top diplomat, Marco Rubio, had also been in contact with the Venezuelan leader.
The telephone conversation marked a rare public sign of engagement between the two nations following a major shift in Venezuela’s political landscape. U.S. forces captured Maduro earlier this month, and the Trump administration has since pursued talks on bilateral cooperation.
Ongoing Prisoner Releases and Criticism
Rodríguez said Venezuela was entering a “new political moment” and insisted that the release of detainees was part of efforts to build coexistence and respect for the rule of law. She spoke alongside her brother and National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who previously announced that over 400 individuals had been freed, though rights groups argue the number of political prisoners still being held is much higher.
International rights organizations and some observers have welcomed the releases but continue to press for clearer transparency and the release of all political detainees.
Broader Political Implications
The positive remarks from both Trump and Rodríguez come as the U.S. seeks to stabilise ties with Venezuela and potentially reopen diplomatic channels that were dormant for years. Trump is also scheduled to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won a Nobel Peace Prize last year, marking continued engagement with diverse political voices in the region.
Analysts say the developments could signal a gradual recalibration of U.S.–Venezuela relations, although many challenges remain both domestically within Venezuela and in broader geopolitical terms.