United States–Venezuela relations refer to the diplomatic, political, economic, and military interactions between the United States and Venezuela. Relations between the two countries have fluctuated over the past century, ranging from close cooperation to deep hostility, particularly since the rise of the Bolivarian Revolution in the late 1990s.
Since the presidency of Hugo Chávez and later Nicolás Maduro, relations have been marked by ideological conflict, sanctions, diplomatic breakdowns, and mutual accusations of interference.
Early relations
The United States and Venezuela established diplomatic relations in the 19th century. For much of the 20th century, the two countries maintained relatively cooperative ties, driven largely by Venezuela’s role as a major oil exporter and supplier to the U.S. market.
American oil companies played a significant role in Venezuela’s energy sector prior to the nationalization of the oil industry in the 1970s.
Cold War era
During the Cold War, Venezuela was considered a stable democratic ally of the United States in Latin America. The country maintained a pro-Western foreign policy and supported regional anti-communist efforts.
Relations during this period were generally positive, with cooperation in trade, diplomacy, and energy.
Chávez era
Relations deteriorated sharply after the election of Hugo Chávez in 1998. Chávez promoted a socialist and anti-imperialist agenda, frequently criticizing U.S. foreign policy and seeking to reduce American influence in the region.
Tensions escalated following the failed 2002 coup attempt against Chávez, which the Venezuelan government accused the United States of supporting. Washington denied direct involvement.
Chávez strengthened ties with countries such as Cuba, Russia, China, and Iran, while limiting cooperation with the United States.
Maduro presidency
After Chávez’s death in 2013, Nicolás Maduro assumed the presidency. Relations with the United States further deteriorated amid Venezuela’s economic collapse, political unrest, and allegations of authoritarian governance.
The United States imposed successive rounds of sanctions targeting Venezuelan officials, state institutions, and the oil sector. Washington accused Maduro’s government of corruption, human rights abuses, and involvement in drug trafficking.
Diplomatic breakdown
In 2019, the United States formally recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela, declaring Maduro’s re-election illegitimate. Venezuela responded by severing diplomatic relations with the United States.
Although recognition of Guaidó later waned, formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Caracas remained severed.
Sanctions and economic pressure
U.S. sanctions have been a central feature of bilateral relations. Measures have included:
- Asset freezes and travel bans on officials
- Restrictions on Venezuela’s oil exports
- Financial sanctions on state-owned enterprises
The U.S. government argues sanctions are intended to pressure the Venezuelan government toward democratic reforms. Critics contend they have exacerbated Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis.
Security and military tensions
The United States has repeatedly accused Venezuela of harboring criminal networks and destabilizing the region. Venezuela, in turn, accuses the United States of planning regime change and sponsoring destabilization efforts.
Military tensions have included U.S. naval deployments, intelligence operations, and rhetorical threats, though direct armed confrontation was avoided for years.
2026 military operation and crisis
In January 2026, relations between the United States and Venezuela reached an unprecedented low following a U.S. military operation inside Venezuelan territory. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured during the operation.
Initial claims were disputed by Venezuelan officials, who denied confirmation and demanded proof of life. On January 3, 2026, Al Jazeera broadcast video footage showing Maduro landing at a U.S. Air Force base in the New York area. The footage depicted Maduro being escorted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), providing independent visual confirmation of U.S. custody.
The incident marked the most dramatic escalation in U.S.–Venezuela relations in modern history, raising legal, diplomatic, and geopolitical questions regarding sovereignty, international law, and future engagement between the two countries.
International law and controversy
Legal scholars and international observers debated whether U.S. actions toward Venezuela, including sanctions and military operations, complied with international law. Critics argued such actions violated the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention, while U.S. officials cited national security and counter-narcotics justifications.
Current status
As of 2026, relations between the United States and Venezuela remain hostile and unresolved. Diplomatic relations have not been restored, sanctions largely remain in place, and uncertainty surrounds Venezuela’s political future.