Venezuela’s Acting President Dismisses Pro-Maduro Minister

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has dismissed Industry Minister Alex Saab, a close ally of ousted leader Nicolás Maduro, in a move highlighting the country’s rapidly evolving political landscape.

Rodríguez announced the decision on Friday, confirming that Saab, 54, was removed from office less than two weeks after US special forces arrested Maduro in Caracas on January 3 and transferred him to the US.

Saab, a Colombian-born businessman, was detained in 2021 and later extradited to the US on charges linked to the alleged diversion of food aid funds to benefit Maduro and his government. He was released in December 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange that freed 10 Americans held in Venezuela, a deal Maduro at the time described as a victory.

Following his release, Saab played a prominent role in strengthening oil ties between Venezuela and Iran as both countries sought to navigate US sanctions. He was appointed industry minister in December 2024.

In a statement shared on Telegram, Rodríguez thanked Saab for his service, saying he would assume new responsibilities. She added that the Industry Ministry would be merged with the Ministry of Trade as part of a broader government restructuring.

The dismissal comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Caracas and Washington. On Thursday, John Ratcliffe, director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, met Rodríguez in Caracas, according to a US administration official, and conveyed Washington’s interest in improving working relations.

The visit followed the first direct contact between US President Donald Trump and Rodríguez, and coincided with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presenting Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize at the White House.

Saab’s removal signals a possible recalibration within Venezuela’s interim leadership as it navigates internal change, international pressure, and the prospect of a thaw in relations with the US.