US Lifts Sanctions on Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez

Move seen as step toward normalizing relations between the two countries.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:24pm

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The U.S. government has lifted sanctions on Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez, according to an entry on the Treasury Department's website. This latest move is part of the U.S. administration's recognition of Rodríguez as a legitimate authority in Venezuela following the capture of her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, on drug trafficking charges in January.

Why it matters

The sanctions relief allows Rodríguez to more freely work with U.S. companies and investors as she leads Venezuela's cooperation with the administration's plan to turn the country around. It also signals a shift in U.S. policy away from the political opposition and toward working directly with Rodríguez's government.

The details

Rodríguez and her brother Jorge were previously hit with U.S. sanctions in 2018 for their role in undermining Venezuelan democracy under Maduro's rule. However, the current administration has chosen to work with Delcy Rodríguez after Maduro's ouster, recognizing her as the 'sole Head of State' in an ongoing civil case. The U.S. has also lifted sanctions on major Venezuelan industries, including allowing the state-owned oil company PDVSA to directly sell oil to U.S. companies.

  • On January 3, 2026, the U.S. military captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas.
  • In September 2018, Delcy Rodríguez and her brother Jorge were hit with U.S. sanctions.
  • On April 1, 2026, the U.S. lifted sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez.

The players

Delcy Rodríguez

The acting President of Venezuela, appointed after the capture of her predecessor Nicolás Maduro.

Nicolás Maduro

The former President of Venezuela who was captured by the U.S. military on drug trafficking charges.

Jorge Rodríguez

The brother of Delcy Rodríguez who was also hit with U.S. sanctions in 2018 for undermining Venezuelan democracy.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose administration has chosen to work with Delcy Rodríguez after Maduro's ouster.

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What they’re saying

“We value President Donald Trump's decision as a step toward normalizing and strengthening relations between our countries. We trust that this progress will allow for the lifting of current sanctions against our country, enabling us to build and guarantee an effective bilateral cooperation agenda for the benefit of our people.”

— Delcy Rodríguez, Acting President of Venezuela

What’s next

The 90-day period for Delcy Rodríguez's temporary presidency ends on Friday, at which point the National Assembly controlled by the ruling party will decide whether to extend her term for up to six months.

The takeaway

The Biden administration's decision to work directly with Delcy Rodríguez's government, rather than the political opposition, represents a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela. This move, along with the lifting of sanctions, signals a potential path toward normalizing relations between the two countries.