The United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, marking a significant step toward normalising relations between the two countries. The move follows the abduction of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by US forces in January, who now face drug trafficking charges in New York.
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 were originally imposed on Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge, during Trump's first term for allegedly undermining Venezuelan democracy. The US Treasury had stated that Maduro gave them senior positions to maintain his authoritarian rule. However, the current administration has chosen to work with Rodríguez rather than Venezuela's political opposition after ousting Maduro.
Rodríguez has since led Venezuela's cooperation with the US phased plan to revitalise the country, pitching its oil-rich economy to international investors and opening up to private capital and arbitration. Last month, the US recognised her as the 'sole head of state' of Venezuela in a federal court case.
The US has also lifted sanctions on large Venezuelan industries, including a broad authorisation in March allowing state-owned PDVSA to sell oil directly to US companies and on global markets. This marks a major shift after years of restricted dealings with Venezuela's government and oil sector.
