Trump, Venezuela’s Rodríguez Hold First Talks Since Maduro’s Capture

The meeting comes as Venezuela seeks closer ties with Washington and renewed foreign investment

U.S. President Donald Trump has met Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, their first meeting since former President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces in January. Rodríguez is in the United States for the first time since taking office and is expected to address the General Assembly.

The meeting comes as Venezuela seeks closer ties with Washington and renewed foreign investment. Rodríguez’s delegation includes senior officials from the economy and oil sectors, with talks focusing on energy, mining, security and debt. She described the meeting as a step toward strengthening relations through dialogue.

The talks have also drawn attention to Venezuela’s political future, with critics questioning Washington’s emphasis on economic cooperation over demands for elections. Trump, meanwhile, highlighted his administration’s actions in Venezuela and a recent oil agreement with Caracas during his UN address.