TRUMP MEETS VENEZUELA’S DELCY RODRIGUEZ FOR FIRST TALKS SINCE MADURO’S CAPTURE

United States President Donald Trump has held his first in-person meeting with Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting took place on Tuesday and focused on strengthening relations between Washington and Caracas, with energy, mining and security identified as key areas for cooperation.

Rodriguez, who is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, described the encounter as a “historic” meeting in a post on X, accompanied by a photograph of herself and Trump. She said both sides discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations and advance cooperation in strategic sectors. Rodriguez also said her administration remained committed to dialogue and diplomatic engagement aimed at producing practical outcomes for the Venezuelan people.

Several senior members of the Trump administration participated in the meeting, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. According to a White House official, the discussion was an informal pull-aside meeting held during a reception hosted by Trump, rather than a formal bilateral meeting with a joint statement.

Rodriguez previously served as vice president under former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and assumed the interim leadership after Maduro was captured during a US military operation in January. Since taking office, her administration has engaged with Washington on issues including Venezuela’s energy sector and economic relations. The meeting also comes after an energy agreement between the two countries that gives US interests access to Venezuela’s large oil reserves.

The encounter took place shortly after Trump addressed the General Assembly, where he referred to the US military operation in Venezuela and discussed the country’s oil resources. Rodriguez is expected to use her appearance at the UN to outline her administration’s position and engage with other international leaders. The meeting with Trump marks a significant stage in the developing relationship between Washington and Caracas following the change in Venezuela’s leadership.