U.S. Takes Initial Steps Toward Reopening Embassy in Venezuela Following Maduro's Ouster

U.S. Signals Intent to Restore Diplomatic Presence in Caracas

The **Trump administration** has informed **Congress** of its plans to initiate steps toward the potential reopening of the **U.S. Embassy in Venezuela**. This notification, dated Monday and obtained by The Associated Press on **Tuesday, January 27, 2026**, signifies a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The move comes in the wake of a recent **U.S. military raid** on **January 3, 2026**, which led to the capture of then-President **Nicolás Maduro**.

Phased Reopening Strategy Underway

The State Department's communication to **10 House and Senate committees** outlined a 'phased approach' to potentially resume operations at the **Embassy in Caracas**. The initial phase involves deploying a regular and increasing contingent of **temporary staffers** to conduct 'select' diplomatic functions. These personnel are expected to reside and work in a **temporary facility** while the existing embassy compound undergoes necessary preparations to be brought up to standard. This formal notice is the first of its kind regarding the administration's intent to re-establish a diplomatic presence in the Venezuelan capital.

Background to Embassy Closure and Diplomatic Rupture

Diplomatic relations between the **United States** and **Venezuela** have been strained for several years. The **U.S. Embassy in Caracas** was officially shuttered in **March 2019**, and all diplomatic personnel were withdrawn. This decision followed the **Trump administration's** recognition of opposition leader **Juan Guaidó** as Venezuela's legitimate interim president in **January 2019**, and the subsequent severing of ties by **Nicolás Maduro's** government. Since then, the **Venezuela Affairs Unit**, based in **Bogotá, Colombia**, has been responsible for managing U.S. relations with Venezuela.

Recent Political Landscape Shift

The context for the potential embassy reopening has dramatically shifted with the recent capture of **Nicolás Maduro**. On **January 3, 2026**, a **U.S. military raid** resulted in Maduro's apprehension, with the **United States** subsequently indicating its intention to 'run the country' until a 'safe and judicious transition' can be established. This significant development has paved the way for the **Trump administration** to explore avenues for normalizing relations and re-establishing a direct diplomatic presence in **Caracas**. The notification to Congress precedes testimony from Secretary of State **Marco Rubio** before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Venezuela is expected to be a key topic.