CIA Director John Ratcliffe Venezuela Visit 2026: A Historic Pivot in Caracas

The geopolitical tectonic plates of South America are shifting. At President Trump's direction, CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a two-hour meeting with Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on Thursday. This marks the first cabinet-level visit since the high-profile seizure of Nicolás Maduro nearly two weeks ago.

John Ratcliffe Venezuela Visit: Establishing Trust and Stability

According to US officials, the meeting aimed to build trust and open communication lines. The discussions focused on economic collaboration and a clear mandate: Venezuela can no longer serve as a safe haven for America's adversaries. The dialogue occurred on the same day Rodríguez delivered her first state of the union address, signaling a sharp departure from the previous administration's isolationist policies.

During her speech, Rodríguez proposed radical reforms to the country's hydrocarbon law. By removing the requirement for state-owned PDVSA to hold a majority stake, she's clearing the path for massive foreign investment. "We have to defend our dignity and honor," she stated, while emphasizing her readiness for "political dialogue" with Washington.

The $100 Billion Oil Opportunity

The Trump administration is pushing for a $100 billion investment from US oil firms into the region. While executives acknowledge the potential of the world's largest proven oil reserves, many remain cautious. One executive noted that the country is currently "uninvestable" without significant structural changes, despite Chevron's continued presence.