US Embassy Reopens in Venezuela

The US State Department announced Monday the formal reopening of its embassy in Caracas, marking the first time since March 2019 that the mission is fully operational.

The embassy was closed during President Donald Trump’s first term following former President Nicolás Maduro’s disputed 2018 election victory. Since the January 2026 military operation that removed Maduro and transferred him to the US on drug trafficking charges, the Trump administration has resumed diplomatic engagement with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez.

“Today, we are formally resuming operations at the US Embassy in Caracas, marking a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela,” the State Department said.

Laura F. Dogu, a seasoned diplomat with prior ambassadorial experience in Honduras and Nicaragua, has been appointed charge d’affaires to Venezuela. She arrived in late January to lead the US government’s on-the-ground efforts. The US flag was raised in mid-March, signalling the resumption of diplomatic relations.

Dogu’s team is working to restore the chancery, which has suffered from mold and inactivity over seven years, though embassy operations focused on diplomacy are now active.

The State Department described the reopening as a key milestone in implementing the President’s three-phase plan for Venezuela, enhancing engagement with the interim government, civil society, and the private sector.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised progress in Venezuela since Maduro’s removal, noting improvements in stability that could attract business. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Rubio emphasized the need for a full transition to democracy, stating that Venezuela can only achieve its economic potential under a stable, democratic government.