Trump Says Venezuela Not Ready for Elections, Praises Delsi Rodríguez's Work

On Friday at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Venezuela is currently not ready to hold elections, although significant progress has been made under the leadership of acting President Delsi Rodríguez.

Trump remarked, "Regarding elections in Venezuela, they are not ready yet. But my God, a lot of progress has been made. Delsi is doing a great job," adding that "when this country becomes ready to hold elections, we will be there to closely oversee them."

Last month, members of Venezuela's ruling party and opposition convened for the first time since signing an agreement to conduct presidential elections in 2024, according to Reuters.

In January, U.S. forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on charges of election fraud, leaving the government in place without announcing plans for free elections.

Venezuela has since been prosecuting Maduro while protecting his successor, revealing contradictions in Trump's policy toward the country.