US reopens embassy in Venezuela

Politico ^ | March 30, 2026 | Finya Swai

[Twotone]

The United States is resuming operations at its embassy in Caracas after a seven-year hiatus, citing a “new chapter” in diplomatic ties with Venezuela, the State Department said Monday.

The reopening “will strengthen our ability to engage directly with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and the private sector,” the department said in a statement, calling it a “key milestone” in implementing President Donald Trump’s plan for Venezuela since the U.S. military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January.

Ambassador Laura F. Dogu, the top U.S. diplomat in Venezuela who arrived in Caracas in January, will lead the effort to reestablish the country’s diplomatic presence on the ground. Her team is working to restore the building and prepare for the eventual return of personnel and to resume consular services.

The U.S. had previously removed all of its diplomats from Venezuela and shuttered its embassy in 2019 for safety concerns after Maduro, whom the country’s National Assembly declared a usurper, broke diplomatic relations with the U.S. for recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.

The Trump administration has repeatedly stated that its ultimate goal in Venezuela is to restore democracy and bring free and fair elections, though discussions around control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserve have swirled around the administration and between Venezuelan politicians.

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TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: caracas; diplomacy; embassy; venezuela

[PGR88]

[BeauBo]

Winning!

So much winning.

[Vigilanteman]

LOL! Now, THAT would make a great T-Shirt.

[Sacajaweau]

For sure...