The Lisboeta

Trump praises Venezuela interim president by phone

Wednesday, 14 January 2026AI summary
Trump praises Venezuela interim president by phone

Multiple Portuguese outlets report former US president Donald J. Trump phoned Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez and described her as a “fantastic” or “incredible” person. Coverage is straightforward and largely descriptive — there is no reporting here of new policy or formal recognition changes, only the publicised phone call and praise. Venezuelan diaspora groups and those tracking Caracas‑Washington ties should watch for any follow‑up diplomatic or political signalling.

Context & Explainers

Delcy Rodríguez is a Venezuelan politician who has served as Vice President of Venezuela since June 2018 and previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2017. She is a leading figure in the ruling United Socialist Party (Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela) and often speaks for the Maduro administration, so those following regional diplomacy or consular matters should note her role.

Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York) is the 47th and 45th President of the United States, serving from 2017-2021 and again from January 20, 2025. A real estate developer and former reality television host, he previously owned the Trump Organization and hosted The Apprentice. He is the second president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland, the oldest to assume the presidency, and the first convicted felon to hold office. He defeated Kamala Harris in November 2024, winning 312 electoral votes. ​ Comments / Relationship with Portugal:

Trump met President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the White House in June 2018, praising the "tremendous relationship" between the nations and noting 1.5 million Portuguese-Americans. They discussed NATO defense spending, energy diversification, and bilateral ties. In August 2025, Marcelo controversially called Trump "objectively a Soviet or Russian asset". Trump's 2025 administration sent letters to Portuguese companies requiring abandonment of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under his anti-DEI executive order. Portugal's Defense Minister cited Trump's unpredictable NATO stance when considering European jets over American F-35s to replace aging F-16s.

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