The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela resumed operations on Monday, months after the capture of its former leader, Nicolas Maduro.
“Today, we are formally resuming operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, marking a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela,” a note from the State Department says. It adds that the “resumption of operations at U.S. Embassy Caracas is a key milestone in implementing [President Donald Trump’s] three-phase plan for Venezuela and will strengthen our ability to engage directly with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and the private sector.”
U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas in January as Charge d’Affaires. “Ambassador Dogu’s team is restoring the chancery building at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas to prepare for the full return of personnel as soon as possible and the eventual resumption of consular services,” the State Department said.
During a Cabinet meeting last week, President Trump said the United States has “done very well working with Venezuela.” He explained, “Venezuela is doing better right now than they’ve ever done in the history of their country, and sort of like a joint venture, but the United States has made a lot of money.”
The reopening of the embassy marks the latest stride in progress made by the Trump administration in addressing its goals for Venezuela. In February, the State Department said in a media note that the U.S. was “rapidly implementing President Trump’s vision to reopen and develop Venezuela’s oil industry for the shared benefit of the American and Venezuelan people.”
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has also confirmed that the United States received a $100 million gold shipment from Venezuela.
