The political drama in Venezuela took an unexpected turn this week as the country started freeing political prisoners, a move that led US President Donald Trump to announce he had called off a planned second wave of attacks on the nation.
Trump highlighted this development while preparing to meet with major oil companies expected to invest billions in Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest oil reserves.
Trump’s comments signaled that while the United States remains willing to exert pressure, diplomacy and strategic incentives—particularly around oil—are back on the table.
Trump Credits Cooperation for Halting Attacks
On his Truth Social platform, Trump celebrated Venezuela’s gesture as a sign of “seeking peace.”
He wrote that because of this cooperation, he had canceled the previously anticipated attacks.
At the same time, the US continued to enforce its oil embargo, seizing another tanker near Venezuela, underlining Washington’s dominance over the country’s most critical export.
First Prisoner Releases Stir Headlines
The releases, which began Thursday, were the first since US forces detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a high-stakes raid on January 3. Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, has assumed leadership.
Among those freed was former opposition candidate Enrique Marquez, who ran against Maduro in the contested 2024 election.
Marquez shared his relief in a video with his wife and fellow releasee Biagio Pilieri, stating, “It’s all over now.”
The White House quickly took credit, framing the releases as a diplomatic win.
Trump Downplays Democracy, Eyes Opposition Leaders
While democracy had long been cited as a justification for US actions in Venezuela, Trump has previously downplayed it as a motivating factor.
Instead, he emphasized US economic interests, particularly regarding oil.
Trump also announced plans to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, describing her in the past as “a very nice woman” who lacked the “respect” to lead Venezuela.
He told Fox News that he looked forward to greeting her next week.
Trump has shown envy over Machado receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, a gesture she publicly dedicated back to him.
Families and Foreign Nationals Celebrate Freedom
Delcy Rodriguez’s brother, parliament speaker Jorge Rodriguez, confirmed that both Venezuelan and foreign nationals were being released immediately to promote “peaceful coexistence.”
Among those freed was Spanish-Venezuelan activist Rocio San Miguel, held since February 2024 over an alleged assassination plot against Maduro—a charge she denied.
Trump had previously claimed that Rodriguez’s administration was closing a “torture chamber” in Caracas but did not provide additional details.
Venezuelan rights organization Foro Penal estimates that over 800 political prisoners remain in the country’s jails.
Venezuela Pushes Back Against Subjugation Claims
Despite the raid and US-led airstrikes that reportedly killed 100 people, Maduro and his wife were transported to New York to face drug charges.
Trump suggested the US would manage Venezuela for a transitional period and leverage its oil reserves for economic gain.
Delcy Rodriguez, however, strongly rejected the notion that her country was subjugated.
“Nobody surrendered. There was fighting for the homeland,” she said during a ceremony honoring Venezuelans killed in the attack.
Earlier this week, Trump outlined plans for the US to sell 30–50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, with Caracas expected to purchase US-made goods using the proceeds.
Mixed Reactions on the Streets of Caracas
Reactions from ordinary Venezuelans were split.
“I feel we’ll have more opportunities if the oil is in the hands of the United States than in the hands of the government,” said 26-year-old Jose Antonio Blanco, reflecting a pragmatic if cautious perspective on the unfolding situation.
The coming weeks will likely determine whether these releases and new oil deals ease tensions or escalate them once more.
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