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U. S. Intelligence Chief Talks to Venezuela's Acting Leader

Caracas, VenezuelaFriday, January 16, 2026
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Recent Developments in Venezuela

A top U.S. intelligence official recently met with Venezuela's interim president in Caracas. This meeting occurred just days after the U.S. military took President Nicolás Maduro into custody. The visit was seen as a way to support the interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez.

Key Figures and Actions

  • CIA Director John Ratcliffe: The highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Venezuela since the recent events.
  • President Trump: Had a phone call with Rodríguez and met with opposition leader María Corina Machado.
  • Opposition Concerns: Some see this as a slight to the opposition, who had hoped for more support from the U.S. after Maduro's removal.

U.S. Objectives

The U.S. aims to work closely with Venezuela to:

  • Improve stability
  • Fight crime
  • Prevent Venezuela from becoming a safe haven for drug traffickers

Opposition Reactions

The opposition in Venezuela feels left out. They believe the U.S. should have done more to help Edmundo González, who won the 2024 election but was not allowed to take power. This has caused tension between the U.S. and opposition groups.

Conclusion

This meeting highlights the complexities of the situation in Venezuela. The U.S. is trying to balance supporting a new government while addressing the concerns of the opposition. The outcome remains uncertain in the coming months.

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