Trump says Venezuela not ready for elections but hails progress under Delcy Rodríguez

President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela is not yet prepared to hold elections, while praising the progress made under interim President Delcy Rodríguez. In remarks from the Oval Office, Trump said, "En cuanto a las elecciones en Venezuela, todavía no están preparados para eso. Pero ha habido muchos avances" Source: infobae. He added that Rodríguez "ha estado haciendo un trabajo fantástico" Source: excelsiormx.

Political context

Venezuela has been under a transitional government since January, when Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces and imprisoned in New York. Washington imposed a tutelage over Rodríguez's government with the aim of achieving a democratic transition, but no electoral calendar has been set Source: larepublicaco. Trump indicated that when the country is ready, the U.S. will "be on top of it" supervising the process Source: elnacionalve.

Energy cooperation

Trump highlighted the surge in oil output from Venezuela, calling it a "very fertile territory." The U.S. lifted oil sanctions after the new government accepted conditions, benefiting U.S. companies amid high global crude prices Source: excelsiormx.

Opposition and dialogue

The Chavista-controlled National Assembly and a faction of the opposition announced talks starting August 1 to promote democracy, with Washington's backing. However, opposition leader María Corina Machado, who intends to return to run for president, will not participate Source: elcaribedr. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Machado "can have a role" in the transition Source: infobae. Meanwhile, opposition groups denounce hundreds of political prisoners still jailed Source: excelsiormx.