US Energy Secretary Pledges Oil Investment in Venezuela Amid Interim Government Cooperation
Key Facts
- US Energy Secretary Chris Wright toured an oil facility in Anzoátegui with Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday.
- Wright is the highest-ranking US official to visit Venezuela in nearly three decades.
- At least 431 political prisoners have been released, though over 600 remain in custody according to Foro Penal.
- The National Assembly has postponed a final vote on a proposed amnesty bill for political prisoners.
- US special forces abducted Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026.
- Interim President Rodriguez is considering an invitation to visit the United States.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced a significant increase in investment for Venezuela's oil industry on Thursday following a tour of facilities with interim President Delcy Rodriguez. Wright, the highest-ranking US official to visit the country in nearly 30 years, described bilateral cooperation as "tremendous" and stated that President Donald Trump is committed to transforming the relationship between the two nations. The visit included a tour of an oil facility in the state of Anzoátegui and a meeting at the Miraflores presidential palace.
The diplomatic engagement coincides with a debate in Venezuela's National Assembly over a landmark amnesty bill for political prisoners. While the Rodriguez administration has overseen the release of at least 431 individuals, human rights groups report that more than 600 remain in custody. The proposed legislation covers charges of treason and terrorism from 1999 to the present but excludes those convicted of murder, corruption, or human rights violations. Protesters gathered in Caracas on Thursday to demand the release of all detainees and a full transition to democracy.
Despite the warming economic ties, friction persists regarding the legitimacy of the previous administration. In an interview on Thursday, interim President Rodriguez referred to ousted leader Nicolas Maduro as the "legitimate president," a claim the White House rejected, labeling Maduro an "illegitimate ruler." While Rodriguez stated she would "absolutely" commit to holding free elections, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodriguez ruled out a vote in the immediate future, citing the need for national stabilization.
Historical Context
The current political landscape follows "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026, during which US special forces abducted President Nicolas Maduro. Since taking office as interim president, Delcy Rodriguez has implemented several policy shifts requested by the US, including opening the state-controlled oil industry to foreign firms and halting oil deliveries to Cuba. These moves follow years of political tension and accusations of election rigging during the 2024 presidential vote.
Perspective Analysis
Sources: Politico · Wall Street Journal · Al Jazeera · CNN · The Guardian · New York Times · The Hill
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