Trump says planning to ‘make visit’ to Venezuela following Maduro abduction
Al Jazeera
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Donald Trump announced his plans to visit Venezuela, marking the first time a sitting US president would travel there since 1997. While no specific timeline was provided, this move comes amid growing US influence in the South American nation following the recent abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump’s potential trip highlights a significant shift in US-Venezuela relations, which have been tense for years due to crippling sanctions imposed during Trump’s first term.
The visit would follow Trump’s praise for Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former deputy and now Venezuela’s acting leader. Trump has lauded her administration for concessions such as freezing oil shipments to Cuba, allowing foreign companies to invest in the state-controlled oil industry, and releasing hundreds of political prisoners. These actions align with US interests, particularly its goal of increasing foreign investments in Venezuela, which Trump aims to reach $100 billion.
Additionally, the US Department of the Treasury announced the easing of sanctions on Venezuela’s energy sector, allowing major companies like Chevron, BP, Eni, Shell, and Repsol to continue or expand oil operations. However, these activities are contingent on approval from the Office of Foreign Assets Control and exclude entities tied to Russia, Iran, or China. This move signals a strategic effort to strengthen US economic ties with Venezuela while maintaining control over its natural resources.
Trump’s announcement also comes after the controversial abduction of Maduro by US forces in January, which resulted in the deaths of more than 100 Cuban and Venezuelan security personnel. Legal experts have criticized this action as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. Despite these concerns, Trump praised the operation, emphasizing US military strength and its ability to shape outcomes in the region.
The planned visit underscores Trump’s broader strategy to assert influence over Venezuela’s political
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/13/2026