US Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe has made a high-profile visit to Venezuela, where he met with interim leader Delcy Rodriguez. This is the first time a top US official has traveled to Venezuela since the ousting of President Nicolas Maduro.
Ratcliffe's meeting with Rodriguez was seen as a crucial step in rebuilding ties between Washington and Caracas, amid a period of heightened tensions following Maduro's departure. The visit came just days after Trump spoke directly to Rodriguez for the first time, further solidifying his administration's support for her leadership.
The CIA chief's discussion with Rodriguez centered on potential economic collaboration opportunities, as well as countering what the US sees as safe havens for illicit activities like narcotics trafficking. The US has long been concerned about Venezuela serving as a hub for organized crime and terrorism, according to US officials.
While Ratcliffe's visit was billed as a "trust-building measure," it also underscores the Trump administration's efforts to maintain strong economic ties with Venezuela, particularly in the oil sector. By supporting Rodriguez, the White House aims to ensure that Venezuelan crude continues to flow into the US market.
Ratcliffe's meeting with Rodriguez is the most senior American visit since the US toppled Maduro from power last year. It marks a significant shift in Washington's approach towards Caracas, as it seeks to establish more formal communication channels with the interim government.
Ratcliffe's meeting with Rodriguez was seen as a crucial step in rebuilding ties between Washington and Caracas, amid a period of heightened tensions following Maduro's departure. The visit came just days after Trump spoke directly to Rodriguez for the first time, further solidifying his administration's support for her leadership.
The CIA chief's discussion with Rodriguez centered on potential economic collaboration opportunities, as well as countering what the US sees as safe havens for illicit activities like narcotics trafficking. The US has long been concerned about Venezuela serving as a hub for organized crime and terrorism, according to US officials.
While Ratcliffe's visit was billed as a "trust-building measure," it also underscores the Trump administration's efforts to maintain strong economic ties with Venezuela, particularly in the oil sector. By supporting Rodriguez, the White House aims to ensure that Venezuelan crude continues to flow into the US market.
Ratcliffe's meeting with Rodriguez is the most senior American visit since the US toppled Maduro from power last year. It marks a significant shift in Washington's approach towards Caracas, as it seeks to establish more formal communication channels with the interim government.
. It feels like they're trying to make amends while still getting what they want - access to Venezuela's oil resources. I mean, I get it, the US needs its energy fix and Rodriguez seems like a convenient compromise. But isn't this just a case of "do as we say, not as we do"? 
On the bright side, maybe this visit will actually lead to some positive changes for Venezuela? Fingers crossed! 
. The CIA chief just shows up in Venezuela like no big deal, right after Trump talks to Rodriguez for the first time. What's going on here? Are they trying to rebuild relations or just play games with their opponents? I mean, I'm all for getting back to normalcy, but this doesn't feel right. They're talking about economic collab and countering narcotics trafficking, but what about Maduro's people? Don't they deserve some love too? 
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Ratcliffe's visit to Venezuela doesn't add up. He meets with Rodriguez just days after Trump speaks directly to her? That sounds like a coordinated effort to get her on board their agenda. And what about all the "trust-building measures"? Sounds like a bunch of doublespeak to me. I bet they're trying to get control over Venezuela's oil reserves, that's why they're making nice with Rodriguez. But what about the people in Venezuela? Are we just going to turn a blind eye to their struggles so we can get our hands on some cheap oil? 
. but what's up with trump speaking directly to her for the first time? is he just trying to be all buddy-buddy or is there actually something concrete happening on the economic front 
. i'm also curious, does this mean they're gonna start letting venezuelan oil flow into the us market again? that'd definitely be a welcome change of pace for americans who are tired of price spikes 
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! So now John Ratcliffe is dropping by Venezuela to "rebuild ties" and I'm pretty sure he's also hoping to get his hands on some extra oil, because let's be real, that's what this visit is all about 
. But seriously, it's nice to see some stability in Venezuela after the chaos with Maduro, and maybe – just maybe – we'll get to enjoy some smooth-sailing oil imports soon! 