Reports indicate that under President Donald Trump, U.S. federal prosecutors in Miami were directed to avoid launching criminal investigations against the acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez had been a target for the DEA. This decision suggests a shift in the relationship between the United States and Venezuela.
Uncertainty surrounds Rodríguez’s implication in any crimes or if formal charges were being prepared. A Justice Department spokesperson stated, “there was never an investigation into her to close.” However, DEA records show Rodríguez’s name frequently appeared on federal law enforcement’s radar since 2018, although she has not faced charges in the U.S., unlike other high-ranking Venezuelan officials.
The purpose of halting scrutiny on Rodríguez appears to be avoiding disruption of efforts to stabilize Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro’s regime ended. It’s unclear if the White House influenced this decision, but the Justice Department was consulted. A former official reported, “everyone was told to stop,” when internal discussions occurred. Rodríguez and her U.S. attorney declined to comment.
Removing the threat of potential charges relieves Rodríguez as the Trump administration collaborates with her to stabilize Venezuela post-Maduro and open the country to U.S. investment.
Trump praised Rodríguez, calling her a “great person” following Maduro and his wife’s transport to New York where they face narcotics-related federal charges. Both deny the charges. U.S. sanctions against Rodríguez were lifted, and she is recognized as Venezuela’s sole leader. This move aids in reestablishing ties with Western banks and facilitates U.S. investors accessing Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
As relations improved, some viewed Washington’s approach—a mix of sanctions, formal charges, and military intervention threats—as a model for regime change, with hopes to apply it to other adversaries such as Iran and Cuba.
Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, faced Trump administration sanctions during his first term due to roles in undermining Venezuelan democracy. Nevertheless, Trump commended Rodríguez’s efforts, tweeting that “oil is starting to flow,” highlighting the professionalism between the nations.
Rodríguez has been present at ceremonies with U.S. oil executives, joining delegations led by U.S. officials such as Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. However, amidst the praise, a dialogue on Venezuelan elections remains absent, despite Rodríguez exceeding a 90-day limit to hold office.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, lead Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, demanded clarity on Rodríguez’s favorable treatment, labeling her central to Maduro’s repressive regime. Shaheen and Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, questioning the lifted sanctions.
Rick de la Torre, former CIA station chief in Caracas, commented, “She remains among the most corrupt regimes, but the U.S. provides leeway for democracy groundwork and investment.” Nonetheless, her “utility has an expiration; she will face justice eventually.” Rodríguez had been under DEA observation since 2018, with intelligence linking her to activities like drug trafficking and gold smuggling, according to recent reports.
Rodríguez allegedly used hotels in Isla Margarita for money laundering, said a DEA informant in early 2021. Her name surfaced in DEA investigations linked to international offices from Paraguay to New York. Connections to Maduro’s “money man” Alex Saab, arrested in 2020 for laundering charges, were also noted.
Rodríguez deported Saab amid purging businessmen accused of gaining wealth through corrupt deals with Maduro. The specifics of Miami-based investigations involving Rodríguez aren’t clear, but her role was reported in Tampa probes regarding Venezuelan financial crimes initiated by former Justice Secretary Pam Bondi. At that time, Rodríguez was Maduro’s vice president.
DOJ policy requires the attorney general to approve charges against foreign heads of state, who typically hold immunity under international law. The pause in investigations extends beyond Rodríguez, affecting Colombian President Gustavo Petro, another leftist leader, with DEA investigations paused despite being a “priority target” for trafficking links. Duncan Levin, former Brooklyn federal prosecutor, voiced concern about political motives halting legitimate investigations, emphasizing DOJ decisions should rest on legal, evidence-based, and public safety grounds.
This story is part of an investigation associated with the FRONTLINE documentary “Crisis in Venezuela,” aired February 10, 2026, on PBS.