US Ends Sanctions on Venezuelan Interim Leader Delcy Rodríguez

Thu Apr 02 2026 15:29:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a surprising diplomatic move, the US has lifted sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim president, following the recent removal of Nicolás Maduro. This marks a potential shift in US-Venezuela relations, raising discussions about political recovery and stability.

The United States has lifted sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim president, just a few months after a military operation led to the removal of Nicolás Maduro. With Rodríguez previously sanctioned for undermining democracy, her removal from the US list is seen as a significant step towards normalizing relations, although opposition activists express concerns over remaining political prisoners in the country.

The United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez. This decision follows the dramatic removal of the former leader Nicolás Maduro during a military raid in Caracas, where he and his wife were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

Rodríguez, an ally of Maduro who served as his vice-president before being sworn in by the National Assembly, had been under US sanctions since 2018. She is now seen as a key figure moving forward, especially as the Trump administration portrays her positively, calling her 'a terrific person.'

Her removal from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, as celebrated by Rodríguez, allows access to U.S. markets and potential economic recovery efforts, a sentiment echoed by White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. However, opposition activists in Caracas criticize the move, urging the US to apply pressure on Rodríguez regarding the release of political prisoners, a paramount issue as around 500 political detainees are reported to remain incarcerated despite some amnesty laws passed.

Demands from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio continue for a comprehensive political transition in Venezuela, including free and fair elections. The recent actions signify a warming relationship between the two nations, with the U.S. reopening its embassy in Caracas, and preparations underway for Venezuela to resume its diplomatic mission in Washington.