Trump meets Venezuela's Rodriguez for first time since Maduro's capture

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump met with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez for the first time since American forces captured then-President Nicolas Maduro in a January raid. The brief meeting took place during Rodriguez's first visit to the US since assuming office. The Venezuelan delegation, comprising key officials from the oil sector and the state oil company PDVSA, aimed to present the country in a favorable light to potential investors.

Rodriguez emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with the US in the areas of energy, mining, and security, stating that the historic relationship between the two nations would be guided by dialogue. The meeting also included senior administration officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Trump has reportedly built a working relationship with Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro's vice president. Critics argue that Washington has neglected the opposition led by Maria Corina Machado, who has been in exile and made multiple failed attempts to return to Venezuela. During his speech at the General Assembly, Trump referred to Maduro as an "outlaw dictator," claimed that hundreds of political prisoners had been released following his capture, and highlighted the oil deal signed between the two countries as a significant achievement.

A group of Venezuelan protesters gathered outside the UN, calling for free elections and criticizing the presence of the interim government.