U.S. Energy Secretary Visits Venezuela Amid Energy Deal Talks
On Wednesday, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright met with Delcy Rodriguez, who’s referred to as Venezuela’s “acting president,” in Caracas. This meeting is part of President Donald Trump’s energy deal with Venezuela aimed at restoring democracy in the country following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro.
This was, notably, the first visit by a U.S. Secretary of Energy to a South American nation in two decades. Wright stated that the trip aligns with Trump’s broader vision to “make America great again.”
Wright’s agenda in Caracas included discussions with Rodriguez and other officials from the Venezuelan interim government, along with local business leaders and citizens. The aim is to advance the Trump administration’s goal of “restoring prosperity and security” not just for Venezuela, but for the entire Western Hemisphere, as highlighted in a press release.
During his meeting with Rodriguez at the Presidential Palace in Miraflores, the secretary was welcomed with a musical performance. U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu expanded on their discussions via social media, indicating that both she and Wright had consultations aimed at progressing Trump’s multi-phase plan for Venezuela’s stabilization and transition toward democracy.
After the meeting, Wright addressed reporters, sharing a message from Trump about transforming U.S.-Venezuela relations. He expressed, “This is part of a broader agenda to make America great again,” and emphasized the importance of closer ties between the countries, aiming to bring jobs and opportunities to Venezuela.
Wright also mentioned efforts to alleviate the struggles facing the Venezuelan economy, revealing plans for the U.S. government to issue licenses to promote business opportunities there.
Rodriguez, meanwhile, spoke about the initial discussions focused on creating a “long-term productive partnership” in areas like oil, gas, and power. She noted that Wright’s team had been engaging with Venezuelan technical officials, aiming to find swift ways to progress.
She underlined the mutual benefits for both nations, stating, “Through diplomatic and political dialogue, this relationship and the energy agenda can move forward without difficulties.” Rodriguez expressed optimism about the Energy Dialogue fostering a mature approach despite historical differences, and she looked forward to further visits and collaboration.
In the wake of an operation to arrest Maduro on January 3, Trump indicated that Rodriguez was cooperating with the U.S. following Maduro’s departure from power. Reports from a Venezuelan news outlet suggested that Rodriguez plans to visit the U.S. “at some point,” reflecting a shift from her earlier combative rhetoric against Washington.
