Venezuela Rejects Trump Statehood Idea, Cooperates on U.S. Phased Plan
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Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated Venezuela has no plans to become a U.S. state, affirming the country's sovereignty. The Trump administration has implemented a phased plan addressing Venezuela's crisis, and Rodríguez is cooperating by pitching the oil sector to investors and opening energy to private capital. The U.S. recognizes Rodríguez as the sole head of state and has eased sanctions.
Facts First
- Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated Venezuela has no plans to become a U.S. state and defended the country's sovereignty.
- The Trump administration has implemented a phased plan to address the crisis in Venezuela.
- Rodríguez is cooperating with the U.S. plan, pitching Venezuela's oil sector to international investors and opening the energy sector.
- The U.S. recognizes Delcy Rodríguez as the 'sole' head of state of Venezuela and has eased sanctions.
- Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured on January 3 and are being held in New York on charges.
What Happened
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in turning Venezuela into the 51st U.S. state twice in one week, including a Truth Social post on Tuesday featuring a map of Venezuela filled with the U.S. flag. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez told journalists on Monday that Venezuela has no plans to become a U.S. state. Rodríguez stated, 'We will continue to defend our integrity, our sovereignty, our independence, our history,' and added that Venezuela is 'not a colony, but a free country.' The Trump administration has implemented a phased plan to address the crisis in Venezuela. Rodríguez has led cooperation with this U.S. phased plan, pitching Venezuela's oil sector to international investors and opening the energy sector to private capital and international arbitration. The U.S. recognizes Delcy Rodríguez as the 'sole' head of state of Venezuela and stopped recognizing Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate leader in 2019. The administration has lifted economic sanctions against Rodríguez personally and eased sanctions against Venezuela, though some remain. Rodríguez has replaced senior officials, including the former defense minister and attorney general. Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured on January 3 and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges; they have pleaded not guilty and are being held at a Brooklyn detention center. On January 3, following Maduro's capture, the ruling party organized demonstrations in Caracas featuring chants of 'Gringo go home.' U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright met with acting President Delcy Rodríguez at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on February 11, 2026.
Why this Matters to You
The U.S. phased plan and Venezuela's cooperation could lead to increased stability and investment in the country's oil sector, which may affect global energy prices. The easing of sanctions might open new trade opportunities. The situation demonstrates a complex diplomatic engagement where sovereignty is publicly affirmed while practical cooperation proceeds.
What's Next
Cooperation on the phased plan is likely to continue, with further international investment in Venezuela's energy sector being a probable focus. The legal proceedings against Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in New York will proceed. The U.S. and Venezuelan governments may continue to navigate a relationship that balances stated sovereignty with pragmatic economic and political steps.