The United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, in a move aimed at normalising relations after US forces abducted her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, in January. Maduro and his wife were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges, to which they have pleaded not guilty.
The Treasury Department announced the decision on Wednesday, allowing Rodríguez to work more freely with US companies and investors. In a statement on her Telegram channel, Rodríguez expressed hope for improved bilateral ties, saying: “We value President Donald Trump’s decision as a step toward normalising and strengthening relations between our countries.”
Sanctions on Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge, were first imposed in September 2018 during Trump’s first term over their alleged role in undermining Venezuelan democracy. The Treasury had stated that Maduro gave them senior positions to help him maintain power and solidify authoritarian rule.
The Trump administration has chosen to work with Rodríguez rather than Venezuela’s political opposition after ousting Maduro. She has led Venezuela’s cooperation with US plans to attract international investors, opening the country to private capital and arbitration. Last month, the US recognised her as the “sole head of state” in a federal civil case.
The US has also lifted sanctions on large Venezuelan industries. In March, the Treasury authorised state-owned PDVSA to sell oil directly to US companies and on global markets, a significant shift from previous restrictions. Following Maduro’s abduction, Venezuela’s high court declared his absence temporary and ordered Rodríguez to take office for up to 90 days, extendable to six months.
