U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez

Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez welcomed the decision, saying it will allow for economic development and investment.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in warm colors depicting the silhouette of a government building or political symbol in motion, conveying the sense of change and transition in Venezuelan politics.The lifting of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela's acting president signals a shift in the tumultuous political landscape, as the two nations work to restore economic and diplomatic ties.Brooklyn Today

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has lifted sanctions on Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who is a staunch socialist and one of over 160 members of the Venezuelan socialist regime sanctioned in the past decade for human rights violations and repression. Rodríguez welcomed the decision, saying it will allow for economic development, investment, and bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Venezuela.

Why it matters

The lifting of sanctions on Rodríguez marks a significant step in the normalization of relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, following the arrest of former dictator Nicolás Maduro. It opens the door for increased economic cooperation and investment in Venezuela's struggling economy, particularly in the oil and energy sectors.

The details

Rodríguez, who was originally sanctioned in 2018 alongside other high-ranking Venezuelan officials, has been collaborating with the Trump administration in recent months, seeking American help and investment to restore Venezuela's oil and energy sectors. As part of this collaboration, she has met with several U.S. officials, including the Energy Secretary, Interior Secretary, and SOUTHCOM commander. The lifting of sanctions comes about a month after the U.S. and Venezuela formally restored diplomatic ties, ending a seven-year rupture.

  • In September 2018, Rodríguez was originally sanctioned by the U.S. during President Trump's first term.
  • On January 3, President Trump authorized a U.S. law enforcement operation to arrest Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
  • In the weeks following Maduro's arrest, Delcy Rodríguez has collaborated with the Trump administration.
  • In late February, Rodríguez described President Trump as a 'friend' and 'partner'.
  • The lifting of Rodríguez's sanctions comes nearly a month after the U.S. and Venezuela formally restored diplomatic ties.

The players

Delcy Rodríguez

The acting President of Venezuela, who is a staunch socialist and one of over 160 members of the Venezuelan socialist regime sanctioned in the past decade for human rights violations and repression.

Nicolás Maduro

The former dictator of Venezuela, who was arrested on January 3 following a U.S. law enforcement operation.

Cilia Flores

The wife of former Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, who is currently detained in the U.S. facing drug trafficking charges.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who authorized the U.S. law enforcement operation that led to the arrest of Maduro and Flores.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State, who discussed the U.S. plan for Venezuela in a recent interview.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump's decision is a significant step in the right direction to normalize and strengthen relations between our countries. We trust that this progress and determination will ultimately lead to the lifting of the additional active sanctions on our country.”

— Delcy Rodríguez, Acting President of Venezuela

“As President Trump has said, Delcy Rodriguez is doing a great job and is working with the United States very well. This decision reflects progress in the joint efforts between our two countries to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela.”

— Anna Kelly, White House Spokeswoman

“It's not forever, but we have to be patient, but we also can't be complacent. So I feel very good about the progress we've made in Venezuela in three months.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

What’s next

The U.S. embassy in Caracas, which remained closed since March 2019, is set to formally reopen its doors this week, with Ambassador Laura Dogu at the head of the American diplomatic mission. This marks a new step in President Trump's three-phase plan toward restoring democracy in Venezuela following Maduro's downfall.

The takeaway

The lifting of sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez represents a significant shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations, signaling a willingness to work with the current Venezuelan government to promote stability, economic recovery, and political reconciliation. However, the path forward still requires patience and vigilance to ensure a successful transition to free and fair elections in Venezuela.