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Report: Trump Administration Planning Changes to Delcy Rodríguez's Government and Venezuela's Oil Industry

Venezuela, United States, | By Correspondent October 20, 2026

 

WASHINGTON, CARACAS – The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing a political and economic restructuring plan for Venezuela that could involve replacing officials associated with Nicolás Maduro, introducing technocrats into Delcy Rodríguez's government and expanding the participation of international companies in the country's oil industry.

The information has been attributed to journalist David Alandete of the Spanish newspaper ABC, who reportedly described plans being considered in Washington to reshape Venezuela's political leadership and energy sector.

According to the report, the proposed changes would combine a reorganization of Rodríguez's governing team with measures intended to attract international investment and increase foreign participation in Venezuelan oil production.

However, the reported proposals have not been confirmed as finalized decisions, and there is no indication that the personnel changes or oil-sector arrangements have already been implemented.

Possible Removal of Diosdado Cabello

One of the most politically significant changes reportedly under consideration involves Diosdado Cabello, a prominent figure in Venezuela's political establishment and a longtime ally of Nicolás Maduro.

According to the information attributed to ABC, Cabello could be removed from his position as Minister of the Interior as part of a broader effort to replace individuals closely associated with the previous political leadership.

The proposed restructuring would reportedly favor officials with technical and administrative experience over political figures identified with Maduro's governing apparatus.

Such a change, if implemented, could significantly alter the distribution of influence within Venezuela's government.

Cabello has occupied influential positions in the country's political and security structures for years, making any potential departure from the Interior Ministry particularly consequential.

Nevertheless, the report does not establish that a decision to remove him has been made or that a replacement has been selected.

Possible Transfers to U.S. Justice

The reported Washington plan also includes the possibility of transferring certain Venezuelan figures to U.S. judicial authorities.

Among the individuals mentioned are Tareck El Aissami, a former senior Venezuelan government official, and Alexander Granko Arteaga, who has been associated with Venezuela's military counterintelligence apparatus.

According to the report, their potential transfer to U.S. authorities is among the possibilities being considered.

However, the available information does not establish that formal transfer agreements have been reached, that the Venezuelan authorities have approved such measures or that any judicial handovers are imminent.

Any such development would have significant legal and political implications and would require further confirmation from the relevant authorities.

International Oil Companies Could Assume Operations

The reported proposals also address the future of Venezuela's oil industry, one of the country's most strategically important economic sectors.

According to the information attributed to Alandete, Washington is considering arrangements under which international energy companies would become involved in operating various Venezuelan oil fields.

The report suggests that the companies selected to participate could be presented in January 2027.

The proposed timetable would place the announcement at the beginning of next year, potentially providing greater clarity about the intended structure of foreign participation in Venezuela's petroleum industry.

However, the report does not identify a confirmed list of companies, specify which oil fields would be involved or establish the legal and commercial terms under which operations would be transferred or managed.

It also remains unclear what role Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, would retain under the reported arrangements.

Any restructuring of the industry would have implications for production, investment, government revenue and Venezuela's relationships with international energy companies.

Political Restructuring and Economic Recovery

The reported proposals suggest that Washington is considering political and economic changes as interconnected elements of its approach to Venezuela.

Replacing politically influential officials with technocrats could be intended to change how government institutions are administered, while increased foreign involvement in the oil sector could support efforts to restore production and attract investment.

Nevertheless, the available reporting does not establish the full scope of Washington's intentions or whether the proposals have been formally presented to Rodríguez's government.

It also remains unclear how Venezuelan authorities would respond to specific demands involving senior officials or the management of strategic energy resources.

The distinction between proposals under consideration and decisions already implemented is particularly important.

At this stage, the possible removal of Cabello, the transfer of Venezuelan officials to U.S. authorities and the assignment of oil operations to international companies remain reported possibilities rather than confirmed developments.

January 2027 Could Become an Important Milestone

If the timetable described in the report is accurate, January 2027 could become a significant moment for determining the future direction of Venezuela's petroleum sector.

An announcement identifying international companies and their potential operational responsibilities would provide a clearer indication of how the reported restructuring might proceed.

For now, however, the information remains based on press reporting attributed to ABC journalist David Alandete.

Neither the reported political changes nor the proposed oil-sector arrangements should be regarded as completed actions without additional official confirmation.

The coming months will determine whether the plans described in the report develop into concrete agreements and government decisions or remain proposals under discussion.

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