Trump Engages in Constructive Call with Venezuela's Interim President
In a notable political development, a phone call described as "warm and productive" has signaled the beginning of a new phase in relations between Washington and Caracas. This communication occurred between U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, during their first direct conversation since the ousting and arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro.
Rodríguez, who assumed the interim presidency in early January, stated that her discussion with Trump was "long, fruitful, and courteous." She confirmed via the messaging app "Telegram" that the conversation took place "in a spirit of mutual respect," as reported by France Presse.
This call follows an unprecedented event: the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces on January 3, leading to his extradition to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.
Maduro and his wife are currently held in a federal facility in Brooklyn after appearing in a U.S. court last week, where they pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their next hearing is scheduled for March 17.
President Trump expressed his admiration for the tone of the call, telling reporters from the Oval Office that he had a "long and excellent" conversation with Rodríguez, whom he referred to as a "great person." He added, "We discussed many things, and I believe we understand each other well regarding Venezuela."
Earlier on Wednesday, Rodríguez confirmed that her country is seeking "a new political era," clearly indicating the interim government's desire to redefine Venezuela's foreign relations, particularly with the United States, after years of strained ties and sanctions.
The call, which carried an unusually positive tone between the two parties, has been viewed by observers as an initial sign of a potential shift in U.S.-Venezuelan relations amidst significant internal changes in Caracas and ongoing legal proceedings against its former president in Washington.
