The Venezuelan government announced on Saturday that it had hosted Richard Grenell, special envoy for the Trump administration, at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas to discuss key issues between the two nations. Following the meeting, six Americans were released from detention in Venezuela. The Friday meeting, which included Venezuela’s Peace Delegation led by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez Gómez and Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez Gómez, took place in an atmosphere of “mutual respect,” according to a Venezuelan government statement.
During the meeting, President Nicolás Maduro proposed a “Zero Agenda” to reset bilateral relations. Discussions covered migration, the impact of US sanctions on Venezuela, US citizens involved in crimes in Venezuela, and the integrity of Venezuela’s political system. The statement emphasized “the need to change the course of relations.” The Venezuelan government reiterated its commitment to peace, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty, and expressed its willingness to maintain open diplomatic channels with the US. The meeting followed a request from Grenell, granted by Venezuela as part of its “peace diplomacy” foreign policy.
The release of the six Americans was subsequently announced on social media on Friday by former President Donald Trump and Grenell. “I was just informed that we are bringing six hostages home from Venezuela,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Thank you to Rick Grenell and all of my team. Great job!” Grenell posted a photo of the six, wearing light blue prison attire, on X, stating: “We are on our way home with these 6 American citizens. They just spoke to @realDonaldTrump and couldn’t stop thanking him.”
While the Venezuelan statement highlighted the potential for improved relations, then-White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified on Friday that Grenell’s visit did not imply US recognition of Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader.
At least nine US citizens or permanent residents are thought to have been among over 2,200 people detained in Venezuela following protests related to the disputed July 2024 election.
The US, along with the EU, Britain, and Canada, does not recognise Maduro’s leadership and has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on officials aligned with him. The US has no diplomatic presence in Venezuela and seized Maduro’s plane in September 2024. Prior to the meeting, the White House had called on Venezuela to release the Americans it described as “hostages” and accept repatriated Venezuelan criminals or face consequences.
Trump, who had prioritised deportations of unauthorized immigrants, faced difficulties in repatriating Venezuelans due to the strained relations and Maduro’s refusal to accept them.
