Trump Praises Venezuelan Leader Delcy Rodríguez on Truth Social, Calls Her 'Great' as Oil Flows Resume

President Trump posted on Truth Social praising Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez, stating she is 'doing a great job' and highlighting cooperation between the two countries on oil production. Trump wrote that 'The Oil is beginning to flow, and the professionalism and dedication between both Countries is a very nice thing to see!' This praise came as U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met with Rodríguez in Caracas to discuss critical minerals and energy cooperation. The statement stunned many Venezuelans and observers given Rodríguez's status as a Maduro loyalist who has been under U.S. sanctions since 2018 for undermining democracy and human rights abuses. Trump's praise represents a significant shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations and signals prioritization of energy interests over democratic transition concerns, particularly troubling given the ongoing repression of democratic opposition in Venezuela.

"Delcy Rodríguez, who is the President of Venezuela, is doing a great job, and working with U.S. Representatives very well. The Oil is beginning to flow, and the professionalism and dedication between both Countries is a very nice thing to see!" — Posted on Truth Social as U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met with Rodríguez in Caracas