Trending Now - US Interior Secretary Visits Venezuela for Mineral Talks
WHO:
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez of Venezuela
President Donald Trump
Energy Secretary Chris Wright
Laura Dogu, U.S. top diplomat in Venezuela
More than two dozen U.S. mining and minerals companies
WHAT:
Doug Burgum met with Delcy Rodríguez to discuss Venezuela's natural resources.
The meeting is part of the Trump administration's intent to control Venezuela's oil and mineral sector.
Burgum leads Trump’s National Energy Dominance Council.
Rodríguez announced plans to introduce a bill to overhaul Venezuela’s mining law to attract foreign investments.
The Trump administration aims to create a critical minerals trading bloc with allies to counter China's influence.
WHERE:
Caracas, Venezuela
Presidential palace in Venezuela
WHEN:
The meeting took place on Wednesday, March 3, 2026.
Burgum's visit is part of a two-day trip.
Chris Wright visited Venezuela in February 2026.
Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in two months prior to March 2026, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
WHY:
The Trump administration seeks to defend against China's hold on critical minerals, which are essential for electric vehicles, missiles, and other high-tech products.
The U.S. aims to improve the legitimacy and safety of Venezuela's mining sector.
HOW:
The meeting involved discussions with U.S. and Venezuelan companies to work towards a legitimate mining sector and safe critical mineral supply chains.
Burgum praised Rodríguez for her efforts to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for capital investment.
QUOTES:
Doug Burgum: “When we are working together it can only mean two things, which is prosperity for the people of Venezuela and for the citizens of the United States, and it also brings peace and stability for the world.”
Delcy Rodríguez: “May the Venezuelan people also see the good aspects of having good relations with the world and with the United States of America.”
Trump on Truth Social: “Delcy Rodríguez, who is the President of Venezuela, is doing a great job, and working with U.S. Representatives very well.”
On Wednesday, March 3, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum met with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas to discuss the country's natural resources and the Trump administration's strategy to control Venezuela's oil and mineral sector. During the meeting, Rodríguez announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at overhauling Venezuela's mining law to attract foreign investments, while Burgum praised her efforts to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for capital investment. Trump expressed support for Rodríguez's leadership on Truth Social, stating that she is doing a great job and collaborating effectively with U.S. representatives.