Trump and Delcy Rodríguez Meet in New York as Machado's Return to Venezuela Stalls

President Trump met with Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez in New York, solidifying their alliance centered on US oil access while opposition leader María Corina Machado remains blocked from returning to Venezuela. The meeting occurred during Trump's UN General Assembly reception, with both delegations sharing photos of the smiling leaders. Rodríguez called it "historic," discussing bilateral cooperation on energy, mining, and security. The encounter followed a "pull aside" format agreed days earlier, closed to press. This alliance began 263 days ago when Trump captured Nicolás Maduro and installed Rodríguez as interim president. Trump's administration has since lifted sanctions and secured control over Venezuelan oil reserves, while Machado's democratic transition efforts remain sidelined.