CIA Director Visits Venezuela to Meet Acting President
In a crucial diplomatic engagement, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Venezuela to meet with the acting president, Delcy Rodríguez. The meeting took place in Caracas and was confirmed by a U.S. official.
CIA Director Meets Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez
During the discussions, Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of economic collaboration between the two nations. He also underscored that Venezuela should not remain a refuge for adversaries of the U.S., particularly in relation to narcotrafficking.
Background and Context
This meeting follows a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Venezuela, as President Donald Trump has asserted greater influence over the country, especially its oil sector. After the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro, Trump stated that the U.S. would effectively “run” Venezuela.
- Meeting Date: Thursday
- Location: Caracas, Venezuela
- Key Officials Involved: CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez
Political Dynamics
Trump’s support for Rodríguez, who has been a longstanding member of the regime, stands in contrast to his stance towards opposition leader María Corina Machado. Machado had a meeting with Trump and even presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal on the same day.
Trump administration officials clarified to lawmakers that the actions taken following Maduro’s capture were not intended as regime change. They argued the Venezuelan government remains largely intact under Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s deputy.
Intelligence and Operational Insights
A classified CIA analysis played a critical role in supporting the administration’s choice to back Rodríguez over Machado. This analysis examined the potential implications of Maduro’s removal and provided insight into leadership dynamics in Venezuela.
Prior to Maduro’s capture, the CIA had deployed a covert team within Venezuela to monitor his movements. This operation facilitated the eventual capture by providing vital intelligence on Maduro’s activities.
Ratcliffe’s visit aimed to foster trust and strengthen ties, reflecting the CIA’s renewed focus on human intelligence gathering. The agency seeks to adopt a less risk-averse approach in its operations.
The ongoing engagement between the U.S. and Venezuela marks a pivotal moment in international relations and underscores the importance of intelligence in shaping foreign policy decisions.
