U.S. Prosecutorial Pause on Delcy Rodríguez Investigations Signals Shift in Venezuela Policy

In May 2026, senior officials at the U.S. Department of Justice instructed federal prosecutors in Miami to halt any criminal investigations into Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s acting president. The pause, described by a former law-enforcement official as a directive for everyone to “stand down,” is intended to prevent legal actions that could jeopardize the Trump administration’s diplomatic push to stabilize Venezuela after the ouster of Nicolás Maduro.

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The United States sanctioned Rodríguez and her brother Jorge for supporting Maduro’s authoritarian rule. In early 2026 those sanctions were lifted, Rodríguez was recognized as Venezuela’s sole head of state, and oil-investment discussions began in Caracas. DEA records reveal a file on Rodríguez dating to 2018, linking her to at least a dozen investigations of drug trafficking, gold smuggling and alleged money-laundering via hotels on Isla Margarita. Her interim presidency exceeded a 90-day court limit in May without a scheduled election.

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A Justice Department spokesperson emailed that “there was never an investigation into her to shut down.” President Trump praised Rodríguez as a “terrific person” and posted, “The Oil is beginning to flow, and the professionalism and dedication between both Countries is a very nice thing to see!” U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have led delegations to Caracas, underscoring the administration’s investment focus.

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Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren wrote to senior officials, asserting that “Sanctions have been lifted on Ms. Rodríguez without any indication that she has taken concrete and meaningful actions to restore democratic order.” Former prosecutor Duncan Levin warned that the White House should not use criminal enforcement as a diplomatic tool, calling the pause “deeply troubling.” Critics say the move undermines the rule of law and rewards corrupt officials.

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Sources differ on whether a formal investigation into Rodríguez was active; the DOJ claims none existed, while DEA files show her name in multiple ongoing probes. Officials declined comment on White House involvement, leaving the extent of presidential direction unclear. It is also unknown which specific Miami cases referenced Rodríguez, and whether the pause extends to related Tampa inquiries.

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• “Everybody has been told to stand down,” — Former law-enforcement official, anonymous

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• “The Oil is beginning to flow, and the professionalism and dedication between both Countries is a very nice thing to see!” — Donald Trump, ex-President

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• “Sanctions have been lifted on Ms. Rodríguez without any indication that she has taken concrete and meaningful actions to restore democratic order,” — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Foreign Relations Committee

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• “The White House cannot use criminal enforcement as a diplomatic light switch,” — Duncan Levin, former federal prosecutor

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U.S. officials have not indicated whether the pause will be lifted or if new diplomatic initiatives will precede renewed legal scrutiny of Rodríguez.

Associated Press