U.S. Embassy in Caracas Raises Flag After Seven Years
On March 14, 2026, the U.S. embassy in Caracas marked a significant shift in its relations with Venezuela by raising the American flag for the first time in seven years. This event followed the detention of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the Trump administration on charges related to drug terrorism in New York.
Laura F. Dogou, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for Venezuela, reflected on this moment, stating, “On the morning of March 14, 2019, the American flag was lowered for the last time at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Today, exactly seven years later, we raised the flag again.” She emphasized that a new era was beginning in U.S.-Venezuela relations, reiterating, “We stand with Venezuela.”
In her post, she included a photo of clay figurines and American soldiers saluting the flag, along with the statement, “Forward with Venezuela.”
The U.S. had previously withdrawn its embassy staff back in 2019 due to what Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described as “deteriorating conditions.” This action came after Maduro cut diplomatic ties with the U.S. following President Trump’s recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president.
Fast forward a few years, and the Trump administration executed Operation Absolute Resolve in early January, successfully removing Maduro without any American casualties. Subsequently, Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, took on the role of interim president and agreed to restore diplomatic ties with the U.S.
Recently, the Department of State noted that the agreement with the transitional government aims to foster stability, economic recovery, and political reconciliation in Venezuela. They expressed their commitment to helping the Venezuelan people through a gradual transition to a democratic government.
President Trump went on to assert that Rodriguez could “make Venezuela great again,” echoing his campaign slogan. While initially alluding to potential second-wave attacks on Caracas, he later acknowledged that Rodriguez’s government was cooperating well with the U.S. Congress, which she seemed to appreciate.
