Thu Jan 15 03:01:55 UTC 2026: Headline: Trump Praises Acting Venezuelan President, Signals Shift in US-Venezuela Relations After Maduro’s Abduction
The Story:
In a significant turn of events, former US President Donald Trump lauded acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez following their first phone call since the controversial abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces on January 3, 2026. Rodriguez pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under the Maduro regime and described the call as productive, signaling a potential thaw in US-Venezuela relations. Trump, in turn, praised Rodriguez as “terrific” and highlighted the potential for a “spectacular” partnership focusing on oil, minerals, trade, and national security.
The developments follow a cancelled second wave of US attacks on Venezuela, which Trump attributed to cooperation from Caracas leaders, including the release of a large number of prisoners. This suggests a potential shift in US strategy towards engagement and negotiation, although the abduction of Maduro remains a contentious point.
Key Points:
* Donald Trump spoke with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez for the first time since Nicolas Maduro‘s abduction by the US military on January 3, 2026.
* Trump described Rodriguez as a “terrific person” and expressed optimism about a US-Venezuela partnership.
* Rodriguez pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro.
* Trump cited cooperation from Caracas leaders, including prisoner releases, as a reason for cancelling a second wave of US attacks.
* Trump is scheduled to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House on January 16, 2026.
* The US Senate blocked an effort to reign in Trump’s Venezuela war powers.
Critical Analysis:
The timeline of events reveals a complex situation. The US Senate blocking efforts to limit Trump’s war powers in Venezuela suggests a level of support, or at least a lack of effective opposition, to his actions. The subsequent abduction of Maduro and the praise for Rodriguez, coupled with the cancellation of further attacks, indicate a calculated shift. Trump seems to be leveraging the initial show of force to then negotiate with a new, potentially more cooperative, leadership in Venezuela. The meeting with Maria Corina Machado serves as a reminder that he has not abandoned the US policy of supporting the Venezuelan opposition.
Key Takeaways:
* The US abduction of Nicolas Maduro has dramatically altered the political landscape in Venezuela.
* Trump’s administration appears to be pursuing a strategy of coercive diplomacy, using military action as leverage for negotiation.
* The release of prisoners in Venezuela is being used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the US.
* Despite the dialogue with Rodriguez, the US continues to engage with the Venezuelan opposition, indicating a multifaceted approach.
* The stability and future direction of Venezuela remain highly uncertain.
Impact Analysis:
The events unfolding in Venezuela have significant long-term implications. The abduction of a sitting president by a foreign military sets a dangerous precedent in international relations. The potential shift in US-Venezuela relations could reshape regional alliances and influence global oil markets. The success or failure of the “coercive diplomacy” strategy employed by the US will have profound consequences for future US foreign policy interventions. Furthermore, the fate of Maduro and the future of Venezuelan democracy remain critical concerns. The meetings with Rodriguez and Machado could potentially usher in a more stable government or perpetuate further political instability. The outcome will reverberate throughout Latin America and beyond.
First Piper 