The United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, effective April 1, 2026. This decision represents a significant change in U.S. policy towards Venezuela.

Background: Maduro's Capture and Rodríguez's Ascension

The sanctions relief follows the U.S. military’s capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 3, 2026, in Caracas, Venezuela. In the wake of Maduro’s removal, Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of acting President.

Recognition of Authority

The U.S. government has increasingly recognized Rodríguez as a legitimate authority in Venezuela. Last month, she was officially recognized as the “sole Head of State” in a U.S. federal court case. This recognition paved the way for the lifting of sanctions.

Impact of Sanctions Relief

The removal of sanctions allows Rodríguez to engage more freely with U.S. companies and investors. Rodríguez expressed optimism about the decision, stating, “We value President Donald Trump’s decision as a step toward normalizing and strengthening relations between our countries.” She hopes this will lead to the complete lifting of sanctions against Venezuela, fostering bilateral cooperation.

Previous Sanctions

Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, were initially sanctioned during President Trump’s first term in September 2018. The sanctions were imposed for their alleged role in undermining Venezuelan democracy, following Maduro’s widely disputed re-election. The Treasury Department stated at the time that Maduro had placed the Rodríguezes in key positions to maintain his authoritarian rule.

Broader Economic Changes

Beyond lifting sanctions on Rodríguez, the U.S. has also authorized the state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), to directly sell oil to U.S. companies and on the global market. This represents a major reversal of previous policies that largely blocked dealings with Venezuela’s government and oil sector.

Venezuela’s ruling-party-loyal high court has declared Maduro’s absence “temporary,” avoiding the need for an immediate election. Delcy Rodríguez was appointed to serve as acting President for up to 90 days, with a potential extension to six months if approved by the National Assembly.

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