Washington, February 13, 2026 – The Europe Today: U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly praised the evolving relationship between the United States and Venezuela, highlighting the resumption of Venezuelan oil exports and what he described as “extraordinary” cooperation with the country’s interim leadership.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that diplomatic and commercial engagement with Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, and her representatives has been highly productive. “Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be greatly helping the people of Venezuela,” the president wrote, according to media reports.
Shift in Energy Dynamics
The remarks come amid a broader thaw in bilateral energy ties following extensive political upheaval in Venezuela earlier this year. U.S. energy officials have indicated that Venezuelan crude shipments, long stifled under sanctions, are now moving again, and Washington is pushing for a substantial increase in oil output under a new partnership framework.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, visiting Caracas this week, reported that sales of Venezuelan oil overseen by U.S. authorities have already generated more than $1 billion and are expected to bring in up to $5 billion in the coming months. Wright’s team is engaging with Venezuelan officials and energy firms to expand production and rebuild the nation’s deteriorated oil infrastructure.
Clarifying U.S. Representation
Trump also addressed speculation over the role of private individuals in U.S.–Venezuela policy. Specifically dismissing claims about the involvement of Florida oil magnate Harry Sargeant III, Trump stressed that no one outside those approved by the U.S. State Department has authority to represent American interests in Caracas.
Diplomatic Engagement
Rodríguez, who assumed leadership following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year, has signaled willingness to deepen ties with Washington. Reports indicate that she has been invited to visit the United States, a move that would further normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries after years of tension.
The developments mark a notable shift in U.S.–Venezuela relations, particularly in the strategic energy sector, as both nations work toward stabilizing oil exports and fostering economic cooperation.
