CIA Director Meets Venezuela’s Acting Leader in Caracas – Move Seen as Boost for Interim Government and Snub to Opposition

In a highly significant diplomatic development, CIA Director William J. Burns met with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on Thursday, January 16, 2026, in what analysts describe as a clear bolstering of the interim government following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
The closed-door meeting, confirmed by U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity, lasted over two hours at the Miraflores Palace and focused on “transitional governance, security cooperation, and humanitarian access,” according to a brief readout from the CIA.
The visit marks the highest-level U.S. intelligence engagement with Venezuela’s post-Maduro leadership since the January 5 military operation that removed Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to face narco-terrorism charges in New York.
Key Implications of the Meeting:
Bolstering Interim Government: The CIA director’s presence in Caracas is widely interpreted as a strong signal of U.S. recognition and support for Rodríguez’s interim administration, which has been working to stabilize the country amid protests, power struggles, and economic uncertainty.
Snub to Opposition: The meeting notably excluded representatives from the opposition coalition led by figures like María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, who have demanded immediate elections. Opposition leaders described the engagement as “a betrayal” and accused the U.S. of legitimising a “continuity regime” tied to the Maduro era.
Security & Intelligence Cooperation: Sources indicate discussions included intelligence sharing on cartel networks, border security, and counter-narcotics efforts issues central to the U.S. justification for Maduro’s removal.

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Humanitarian & Economic Focus: The U.S. reportedly pressed for expanded humanitarian corridors and economic reforms to ease sanctions relief in exchange for democratic progress.
Reactions:
Venezuelan Interim Government: Delcy Rodríguez called the meeting “constructive” and a “step toward normalised relations based on mutual respect.”
Opposition: María Corina Machado stated: “This is a slap in the face to the Venezuelan people who have fought for real change. The U.S. is choosing stability over democracy.”
U.S. Officials: The White House described the engagement as “pragmatic diplomacy” aimed at “securing U.S. interests while encouraging a peaceful transition.”

The meeting has intensified debate over U.S. policy in Venezuela, with critics accusing the Trump administration of prioritising anti-drug objectives over democratic restoration.

By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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