What specific directive did the Trump administration issue regarding investigations into Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez?

The Trump administration quietly instructed federal prosecutors in Miami to 'stand down' on pursuing criminal investigations into Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, according to current and former U.S. law enforcement officials; a Justice Department spokesperson stated there was 'never an investigation into her to shut down,' though DEA records show she had been under federal law enforcement scrutiny since at least 2018.

Why did the Trump administration pause scrutiny of Delcy Rodríguez, and what diplomatic or economic outcomes followed?

The directive to pause scrutiny was intended to avoid upsetting the administration’s efforts to stabilize Venezuela after the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and to facilitate cooperation with Rodríguez as acting leader; subsequently, the U.S. lifted sanctions against her, recognized her as Venezuela’s sole head of state, allowed her to re-establish ties with Western banks, and enabled U.S. investors—including high-profile delegations led by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum—to engage with Venezuela’s oil sector.

Trump Administration Tells Prosecutors to Stand Down on Venezuela Leader Investigation

May 29, 2026

The Trump administration ordered prosecutors to halt investigations into Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez to stabilize relations and unlock U.S. investment in the nation's vast petroleum reserves. Sanctions were lifted following high-level meetings involving U.S. Energy officials.

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