U.S. Quietly Deploys Diplomatic Team to Caracas as Ratcliffe and Delcy Rodríguez Discuss Post‑Maduro Transition
U.S. officials confirmed a limited number of diplomatic and technical personnel are in Caracas conducting initial assessments for a potential phased resumption of operations — including reopening the U.S. embassy and consulates — the administration’s first on‑record acknowledgment of a team on the ground. Separately, reporting says the CIA director traveled to Venezuela to meet with acting President Delcy Rodríguez as part of broader engagement following Maduro’s capture.
📌 Key Facts
- A senior State Department official confirmed for the first time that a limited number of U.S. diplomatic and technical personnel are in Caracas.
- The official framed this as the administration’s first on‑record acknowledgment of a diplomatic team on the ground in Venezuela.
- Those personnel are described as a 'limited number' rather than a full diplomatic mission.
- The team is conducting initial assessments in Caracas to evaluate conditions and needs.
- Assessments are aimed at a potential phased resumption of U.S. diplomatic operations in Venezuela.
- Planned options under consideration include reopening the U.S. embassy and consulates in Venezuela.
- The move is presented as part of a broader plan to resume official diplomacy following Maduro’s capture.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
January 21, 2026
5:41 PM
State Dept official confirms 'limited number' of personnel in Caracas working to resume diplomatic relations
New information:
- A senior State Department official confirms for the first time that a 'limited number of U.S. diplomatic and technical personnel' are in Caracas.
- Those personnel are conducting 'initial assessments' for a 'potential phased resumption of operations,' including reopening the U.S. embassy and consulates in Venezuela.
- The article underscores that this is the administration’s first on‑record acknowledgment of the diplomatic team on the ground, framing it as part of a broader plan to resume official diplomacy after Maduro’s capture.
January 16, 2026