Trump Meets Venezuelan Acting President Rodríguez in New York
nashnova research
Trump and Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez met face-to-face in New York on September 22 — the first direct contact between the two countries' leaders since the U.S. arrested former president Maduro in January, driven by a 65-billion-barrel, 25-year energy deal signed last month.
Why does this meeting matter?
The meeting took place at a leaders' reception Trump hosted during the UN General Assembly. The U.S. side fielded a top-tier lineup: Secretary of State Rubio, Treasury Secretary Bessent, Chief of Staff Wiles, and Senior Adviser Miller.
This means → Washington is signaling with its highest-level delegation that the Venezuela relationship has shifted from confrontation to deal-making.
Neither side issued a joint statement or released a public agenda. In plain terms = they talked, but neither is ready to make public commitments yet.
What did the Venezuelan side say?
Rodríguez posted a statement on Telegram, saying the two sides discussed cooperation in energy, mining, and security.
She also thanked Washington for two things: emergency assistance during the June 24 earthquake, and support for Venezuela's return to multilateral forums.
This reflects Caracas actively closing the distance with Washington, amplifying every positive interaction into a diplomatic win.
What is the deal behind the meeting?
Last month the two governments signed an energy agreement covering 65 billion barrels of oil reserves over 25 years, targeting development of 17 strategic oil fields with a production goal above 1.5 million barrels per day.
Trump called it "the biggest oil deal in the history of the world" on Truth Social and said he hopes to attract $100 billion in investment into Venezuela's oil sector.
In plain terms = the U.S. trades sanctions relief for oil development rights; Venezuela trades oil fields for political survival space — each side gets what it needs most.
How far have sanctions been eased?
On September 16, Trump signed an executive order removing Venezuela from the U.S. list of countries that have "failed to cooperate in counter-narcotics efforts" — a designation in place since 2005.
The order specifically cited "positive steps taken under Acting President Rodríguez's leadership," but demanded "measurable progress" on counter-narcotics going forward.
This means → the sanctions relief is conditional, not permanent. If Venezuela fails to deliver, Washington can reverse course at any time.
Where is Maduro in all this?
Earlier that day at the UN General Assembly, Trump called Maduro a "lawless dictator" and framed the January arrest as proof the U.S. will use "unmatched military power" to defend its interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Maduro faces drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges. He has pleaded not guilty.
This reflects a dual-track U.S. strategy toward Venezuela: cut energy deals with the new leadership while maintaining maximum pressure on the old regime.
What comes next?
Rodríguez will address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday afternoon — her first visit to the U.S. since becoming acting president.
Whether the U.S.-Venezuela relationship continues to advance depends on Caracas delivering real results in security and counter-narcotics.
Put simply = the energy deal is signed, but the real test is just beginning. If Venezuela cannot show progress on drug enforcement, this path could be shut down at any moment.
市场有风险，内容仅供研究参考，不构成投资建议。