US Energy Secretary Chris Wright visits Venezuela to assess oil industry overhaul
The Associated Press20 hrs
US Energy Secretary Meets Venezuela's Rodríguez in Caracas
Is Venezuela's engagement with the U.S. a sovereign pragmatic decision or a complete surrender to Washington?
Above: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on Feb. 11. Image credit: Jesus Vargas/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Venezuela's interim authorities are being used to dismantle the Chavista regime without boots on the ground or nation-building chaos. The Trump administration is clearing the path for Venezuela's democratic transition and friendly relations with the U.S. — one can only be pleased to see Maduro's allies kowtowing to every demand from Washington.
Pro-Maduro narrative
Venezuela is a sovereign country and will remain so. That Caracas has engaged with Washington is proof of mature, pragmatic and realistic decisions for the benefit of the whole country, as the oil industry needs capital, but the world must rest assured that Venezuela's constitutional order remains unchanged and authorities remain loyal to Maduro.
Anti-Maduro narrative
While Chavismo is indeed totally dominated by Trump, with Rodriguez reduced to a puppet taking orders from Washington, it's time for the opposition to reclaim Venezuela's political agenda. If democratic forces remain silent and heavily dependent on the U.S., a democratic transition grounded in justice, memory and truth may never take place.
Metaculus Prediction
Public Figures
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0