Trump meets Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez after US-backed takeover

Wed Sep 23 2026 22:28:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Trump meets Venezuela’s interim president at the UN, discussing oil deals and security after US-backed takeover.

US President Donald Trump and Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez held their first face‑to‑face meeting at the UN General Assembly, signalling a potential shift in Venezuela’s politics following a US‑backed raid that ousted Nicolás Maduro. The leaders discussed cooperation in energy, mining and security and confirmed a US‑led oil concession that covers more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela’s reserves. The meeting, held just a few kilometres from the Manhattan jail where Maduro awaits trial, also involved US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Trump touted the deal as the biggest oil agreement in history and reaffirmed US ambitions to control over 60% of the world’s oil. Despite sanctions being lifted, Venezuela’s opposition remains divided, with Maria Corina Machado still barred from entering the country.

Trump meets Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez after US-backed takeover

Trump and Delcy Rodríguez meeting at the UN — Trump and Delcy Rodríguez meet at the UN General Assembly in New York.

US President Donald Trump and Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez held their first face‑to‑face meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a moment that could signal a shift in Venezuela’s politics after the US‑backed raid on Caracas that seized former president Nicolás Maduro.

Rodríguez, who has been instrumental in securing US support for the takeover of the Venezuelan government, discussed a range of cooperation areas with the President, including energy, mining, and security. The conversation took place just a few kilometres from the Manhattan jail where Maduro awaits trial for drug trafficking and other charges.

In addition to their talks, the leaders conducted a press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, underscoring the administration’s willingness to back the new Venezuelan vice‑president for a US‑led oil exploitation deal that covers about 65 billion barrels of the country’s oil reserves.

Trump described the agreement as “the biggest oil deal in world history” and reiterated US ambitions to control “more than 60% of the world’s oil.” Rodríguez is set to address the UN Assembly on Wednesday, promising to consolidate the new government’s gains.

While the US has lifted sanctions on Rodríguez following the raid, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado continues to be barred from returning to the country, a testament to the polarization that remains within Venezuela.