Trump Pushes U.S.–Venezuela Dialogue Via Maduro Loyalist Ahead of Machado Talk

President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, praising her and signaling a growing U.S.–Venezuela partnership focused on stabilizing the country. The call, following a U.S. raid to capture Nicolás Maduro, covered oil, minerals, trade, and national security. Rodríguez called the conversation long and courteous, and Trump said they’re making tremendous progress. Trump is due to meet opposition leader María Corina Machado the next day; U.S. officials view Rodríguez as a potential protector of future American energy investments, while Machado’s reception among Venezuelans remains uncertain.