Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has been invited to the United States, signaling a potential shift in relations following a recent U.S. Intervention in the country. The invitation comes as the two nations begin discussions regarding Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and the rebuilding of its energy infrastructure, a sector that has suffered significant decline in recent years.
“I have been invited to the States,” Rodríguez told NBC News’ Kristen Welker during an interview. “We’re contemplating coming there once we establish this cooperation and we can move forward with everything.”
The developments follow the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores by U.S. Forces last month, with both facing accusations of narcotics trafficking. Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency in early January after U.S. Military action targeted objectives within Venezuela. Despite the circumstances surrounding Maduro’s detention, Rodríguez asserted that he remains the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
“I can notify you President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president. I will tell you this as a lawyer, that I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent,” Rodríguez stated to NBC News.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently concluded a visit to Caracas on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, where he met with Rodríguez to discuss the details of how Venezuela’s oil reserves will be distributed. Wright described the initial cooperation as “extraordinary,” adding, “Ronald Reagan, trust, but verify. Trust, but verify. We’ve been dealing with Delcy for five weeks.”
However, challenges remain as the Rodríguez government has yet to release all political prisoners, a demand from both the Venezuelan opposition and Washington. Just twelve hours after being released from prison, opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa was re-arrested and is currently under house arrest. This situation underscores the ongoing political tensions within Venezuela despite the emerging energy cooperation with the U.S.
Rodríguez and Wright face the significant task of revitalizing Venezuela’s oil industry, which has been hampered by decades of underinvestment, mismanagement, and U.S. Sanctions. The U.S. Is seeking to prioritize American investors in the rebuilding process, according to reports.
