President Donald Trump said Venezuela has begun what he described as the start of a process to release political prisoners.
He made the comment in reference to earlier statements in which he claimed he had canceled what he called a “second wave of attacks” on Venezuela while its government was cooperating with the United States.
Trump’s remarks linked the idea of political prisoner releases to his administration’s pressure campaign on the Venezuelan government. During his presidency he often criticized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and imposed economic sanctions on the country.
Trump stated that his decision to call off additional actions against Venezuela came after what he described as cooperation from Venezuelan authorities. He did not provide detailed evidence in his remarks regarding the reported start of a release process. He did not name specific prisoners or confirm how many people might be involved. There was no immediate confirmation of his claims from Venezuelan officials at the time of his comments.
Human rights organizations and Venezuelan opposition leaders have long reported the detention of government critics, activists, and opposition figures in Venezuela. These organizations have called for the release of those they classify as political prisoners and have urged foreign governments to maintain pressure on the Maduro administration.
The Venezuelan government has often rejected the label of political prisoners. It has said detainees are being held on criminal charges such as conspiracy, incitement, or involvement in violent acts. Officials in Caracas have accused foreign governments, including the United States, of interfering in the country’s internal affairs. They have said sanctions and external pressure harm the Venezuelan economy and citizens.
Trump’s reference to a “second wave of attacks” appeared to relate to a broader strategy of increasing pressure. During his time in office, his administration expanded sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil sector, financial transactions, and senior officials. It also publicly supported Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, whom the United States recognized as interim president in 2019. The Venezuelan government rejected that position and maintained control of state institutions.