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Trump Says Venezuela Not Ready for Elections, Praises Acting Leader

The remark signals continued U.S. control over Venezuela's political transition and frames Washington's insistence on institutional guarantees before any vote.

A screen in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House displays U.S. President Donald Trump speaking about election security during an address to the nation from the East Room of the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 16, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
U.S. President Donald Trump makes an announcement on American nuclear innovation, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 24, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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Overview

  • President Donald Trump told reporters that Venezuela is "not really ready" to hold elections and said they would happen only "at some point."
  • Trump praised acting leader Delcy Rodríguez as "doing a fantastic job," reflecting U.S. tolerance for her interim role in governing the country.
  • The president said the U.S. has brought economic benefits to Venezuela and claimed American access to large oil exports as part of those efforts, a claim presented by the administration rather than independently verified.
  • U.S. officials continue to link any credible election to institutional changes such as a free press and a new, independent electoral commission.
  • Nicolás Maduro remains subject to U.S. legal action and is slated for trial in the United States next year, while Washington maintains de facto influence over Venezuela's transition after the removal of Maduro earlier this year.