Story perspectives

Trump Meets Venezuela’s Interim President After 11-Year Gap

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 3:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump meets Rodríguez

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez met U.S. President Donald Trump at a UN week reception.
It was the first face-to-face encounter between a U.S. president and a Venezuelan leader in over 11 years.
Trump praised an oil deal granting the United States access to over 20% of Venezuela’s reserves, 65 billion barrels.
U.S. officials said elections require renewing the Supreme Tribunal, the National Electoral Council, a free press, and voting-machine review.

Summary

Fernández calls rally

Supporters plan a rally in Caracas for Tuesday as Rodríguez attends the UN General Assembly.
Vice President for Mobilization Nahum Fernández of the PSUV issued the rally call.
The demonstration will begin at 10 a.m. near CANTV headquarters on Avenida Libertador.
Social movements, workers, youth, women and community groups will march to show unity.
Organizers say the rally reaffirms Venezuela’s Bolivarian character and commitment to the political process.

History

Historical Context

Chávez’s drive to counter U.S. influence led Venezuela to deepen ties with Russia, signing a $2 billion loan in September 2009 and earlier purchasing over $4 billion in Russian arms. The partnership expanded to joint naval drills and a 2010 nuclear-plant deal, while oil’s share of exports rose to 95% by 2012, anchoring the economy to Moscow’s support.

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Trump meets Rodríguez

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez met U.S. President Donald Trump at a UN week reception.
It was the first face-to-face encounter between a U.S. president and a Venezuelan leader in over 11 years.
Trump praised an oil deal granting the United States access to over 20% of Venezuela’s reserves, 65 billion barrels.
U.S. officials said elections require renewing the Supreme Tribunal, the National Electoral Council, a free press, and voting-machine review.

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