The Trump administration has lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department. This decision reflects the U.S.’s intention to rebuild relationships with the Venezuelan government.

Sanctions Relief and U.S.-Venezuela Relations

The rollback of sanctions comes approximately three months after U.S. forces seized former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a special forces operation. They were subsequently extradited to New York and have pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Removing Rodriguez’s name from the Specially Designated Nationals list allows her access to previously blocked assets and facilitates dealings with U.S. companies. This is the latest step in a series of actions by the Trump administration to normalize relations with Venezuela, with whom the U.S. has not maintained formal diplomatic ties since 2019.

Recognition and Economic Incentives

Last month, the U.S. formally recognized Rodriguez as Venezuela’s leader and initiated the process of reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. President Trump has publicly praised Rodriguez, stating last month that she is “doing a great job” and “working with U.S. Representatives very well.”

Since Maduro’s removal, the administration has focused on encouraging U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil sector. Sanctions have been eased to permit American oil companies to invest in infrastructure and production. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have also led delegations to Venezuela, which possesses the world’s largest oil reserves.

Administration Statements

A Trump administration official stated that lifting the sanctions “signals our support for a more constructive U.S.–Venezuela relationship and for expanded private sector engagement that can help advance Venezuela’s economic recovery and democratic transition.” Another official told CBS News the move “reflects our decision to work with the interim authorities led by Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela.”

Rodriguez's Response and Historical Context

Rodriguez acknowledged the removal of sanctions in a Telegram post, expressing gratitude for President Trump’s decision. She stated, “We value President Donald Trump’s decision as a step toward normalizing and strengthening relations between our countries,” and expressed hope for further sanctions relief.

Rodriguez and other Maduro government officials were initially sanctioned by the U.S. in 2018, following Maduro’s reelection, which the U.S. and other nations deemed illegitimate. The Treasury Department previously asserted that Maduro appointed Rodriguez as vice president to “help him maintain power and solidify his authoritarian rule.”

Opposition Concerns

In February, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado thanked the Trump administration for removing Maduro from power but expressed distrust of Rodriguez due to her past association with Maduro. In an interview with Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation, Machado suggested Rodriguez is “complying with instructions she’s getting from the United States.”