CIA Director Paves Path for US-Venezuela Cooperation

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, marking a significant US engagement. This two-hour meeting aimed at strengthening ties followed a US operation capturing former leader Nicolás Maduro. Discussions included future economic collaboration and caution against American adversaries like drug traffickers.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Washington DC | Updated: 16-01-2026 23:39 IST | Created: 16-01-2026 23:39 IST
CIA Director Paves Path for US-Venezuela Cooperation
CIA Director
  • Country:
  • United States

CIA Director John Ratcliffe has embarked on a pivotal diplomatic mission to Venezuela, where he held a meeting with acting President Delcy Rodríguez. This makes him the highest-ranking Trump administration official to visit the country after the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro in a US-led operation.

The two-hour discussion in Caracas intended to send a message of the United States' interest in establishing improved relations with Venezuela. The visit was reportedly prompted by President Donald Trump and coincided with a gesture acknowledging Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump.

A critical point of dialogue was potential economic cooperation between the nations, emphasizing that Venezuela must prevent the resurgence of American adversaries, such as drug traffickers. This move by the CIA comes alongside its significant role in the recent capture of Maduro, as efforts continue to enhance diplomatic ties under the Trump administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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