Venezuela’s interim president defends sovereignty in speech to oil sector workers
The interim president of Venezuela, (PSUV, left), stated on Sunday (25 January 2026) that the country must end the influence of the United States on internal politics. The speech was made during a speech to oil sector workers in the State of Anzoátegui.
“Enough with orders from Washington regarding politicians in Venezuela”, Delcy said. The interim president defended openness to debate, but made a distinction between political divergence and actions that, according to her, hurt the country.
“Whoever thinks differently is welcome to the discussion with respect. Whoever seeks evil for Venezuela, may they be completely rejected and separated from the national life of this homeland”he said. At another point, he added: “Those who dared to go to the United States, thanking the bombing of our people, do not deserve the dignity of this country or its gentiles”.
Delcy also sought to situate this speech within a proposal for political reorganization. He stated that Venezuela must open “spaces for democratic divergence”but with a focus on what he called “politics with a capital P and V for Venezuela”.
Despite the firm tone towards Washington, the interim president has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards the United States since after the (PSUV, left). This movement gained practical contours with the resumption of business in the energy area.
Delcy that the Venezuelan government received US$300 million from oil sales to the United States, an amount that corresponds to the 1st payment of the agreement signed between the 2 countries. According to her, the amount confirms the entry into operation of the energy pact negotiated after the change of command in Caracas.
In her speech in Anzoátegui, the interim president once again emphasized this strategy. He said that Venezuela needs to transform itself into “a true oil and gas producing power” and that the country should not fear the international energy agenda. He stated that the diversification of external relations is a Venezuelan right, “neither with the United States nor with other countries in the world” having the power to dictate the direction of the sector.
The president of the United States, (Republican Party), declared in his address at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, that Venezuela decided to negotiate with Washington shortly after the . According to Trump, the Venezuelan government sought a quick understanding and he even suggested that other countries make agreements similar to the one reached with Caracas.
The rapprochement also advanced on the diplomatic level. A senior White House official confirmed that Trump invited Delcy Rodríguez to an official visit to the United States, which, if it occurs, would mark the first trip by a Venezuelan president to the country in more than 25 years outside of UN commitments.
