Washington met Caracas through a back channel. On September 23, 2026, Donald Trump spoke directly to Delcy Rodríguez, bypassing Nicolás Maduro and demanding elections. The call reframes U.S. recognition strategy.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Trump bypass Nicolás Maduro and call Delcy Rodríguez?
- A: The call signals U.S. efforts to engage an alternative power center in Venezuela and pressure for elections without direct recognition of Maduro.
- Q: What does the Trump-Delcy call mean for U.S. recognition strategy?
- A: It reframes U.S. policy by treating Rodríguez as a relevant interlocutor, suggesting a potential shift toward conditional engagement and election demands.
- Q: Is this a sign of power transfer in Venezuela?
- A: Analysts interpret the bypass as a signal of internal power dynamics and U.S. willingness to exploit divisions within the Maduro government.