Story perspectives

U.S. Supports Rodríguez After Maduro's Capture in Caracas

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

John Ratcliffe, CIA Director, met with Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on January 16, 2026.
The meeting followed the U.S. military's capture of Nicolás Maduro, making it the first such engagement by a senior U.S. official since the operation.
The discussions focused on economic collaboration and intelligence cooperation.
They signaled U.S. support for Rodríguez over María Corina Machado and reflected a strategic policy shift under the Trump administration.

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Story summary

John Ratcliffe, CIA Director, met with Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on January 16, 2026.
The meeting followed the U.S. military's capture of Nicolás Maduro, making it the first such engagement by a senior U.S. official since the operation.
The discussions focused on economic collaboration and intelligence cooperation.
They signaled U.S. support for Rodríguez over María Corina Machado and reflected a strategic policy shift under the Trump administration.