Venezuela Frees Jailed Americans as Interim Government Signals Major Policy Shift After Maduro’s Ouster and US Pressure

Venezuela has begun releasing detained American citizens, marking a dramatic turn in the country’s political direction following the ouster of former president Nicolás Maduro. A US official confirmed the development on Tuesday, describing it as an early sign of change under the country’s interim leadership.

Washington welcomed the move. A State Department official said the releases were “an important step in the right direction.” However, officials did not disclose how many Americans were freed or provide names, only confirming that more than one detainee was involved.

The decision came from Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president and has since assumed the role of acting president. She ordered the releases in the aftermath of a US military operation that led to Maduro’s arrest earlier this month. The former leader and his wife were captured during strikes that Venezuelan authorities say left more than 100 people dead.

Many of those jailed in recent months were arrested during protests following the disputed 2024 general election. Maduro was declared the winner, despite widespread allegations of vote-rigging. Security forces cracked down hard, detaining opposition supporters, activists, and foreign nationals, drawing sharp criticism from the international community.

US President Donald Trump praised the release of Americans. He said the gesture directly influenced Washington’s next steps. According to Trump, the United States decided to suspend a second wave of military strikes after the interim government acted.

Venezuela has also released European detainees. Spanish and Italian citizens were freed earlier, suggesting the policy shift extends beyond US relations. Analysts say the interim authorities are seeking to ease diplomatic isolation and stabilize the country’s fractured economy.

At home, Venezuelans saw another notable change. Access to social media platform X was restored on Tuesday, ending a ban imposed more than a year ago. Maduro’s government blocked the platform after the 2024 election, accusing it of fueling dissent. The shutdown forced ministers and state institutions to abandon the platform entirely.

Rodríguez quickly updated her profile after access returned. She called for unity and promised progress toward economic stability and social justice. Still, access to the platform remains inconsistent in some areas.

Maduro, who ruled Venezuela for years, now faces US drug trafficking charges. His arrest has reshaped the nation’s political landscape. While uncertainty remains, the release of foreign detainees signals a cautious opening and a possible reset in Venezuela’s relationship with the world.