The United States has formally reopened its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, resuming full diplomatic relations after a seven-year closure. The State Department announced the resumption of normal operations Monday, marking “a new chapter” in the diplomatic presence there.
The reopening follows the recent ousting of former President Nicolas Maduro, who was taken into US custody three months ago. Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice-president, is now acting president. A small team of US diplomats had been working in Caracas from neighboring Colombia for over a month prior to the embassy’s reopening.
This move is part of the Trump administration’s plan to support Venezuela’s economic recovery and a future democratic transition. Since 2019, following contested presidential elections, US diplomatic operations for Venezuela were conducted from Colombia.
The State Department stated the resumed operations will strengthen engagement with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and the private sector. The embassy had required significant repairs, including mold remediation, before reopening.