The U.S. Treasury Department removed Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez from its sanctions blacklist on April 1, according to an update from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The move signals a shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations following the January capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Maduro and his wife were extradited to New York to face drug trafficking charges, and both have pleaded not guilty.
Rodríguez, who now serves as Venezuela’s acting president, was sanctioned in September 2018 for her role in Maduro’s government. The U.S. State Department has since recognized her as a legitimate authority in Venezuela, and diplomatic ties were formally renewed in early March. The U.S. reopened its embassy in Caracas on March 18.
The sanctions relief allows Rodríguez to access blocked assets and engage with U.S. businesses. The Trump administration has praised her cooperation in enacting democratic reforms and revitalizing Venezuela’s oil industry. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have led delegations to Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest oil reserves.
Rodríguez acknowledged the sanctions removal in a statement, calling it a step toward normalizing relations. She expressed hope for further sanctions relief to benefit Venezuela’s economic recovery. The U.S. has framed the move as supporting a democratic transition in Venezuela.