President Donald Trump appears to have pulled off another great move in Venezuela.
He announced that, at his request, the interim regime has now released many political prisoners, as a sign of “seeking peace.” This includes members of the opposition.
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 9, 2026
Trump said because of the release, he was cancelling a “second wave of attacks,” but they would keep ships in place to maintain security.
Among those released was Biagio Pilieri, an opposition leader who was part of Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado’s 2024 presidential campaign, according to Foro Penal, an advocacy group for prisoners based in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. Also released was Enrique Márquez, a former electoral authority and candidate in the 2024 presidential election, the organization said.
Videos posted by journalists on social media show Márquez and Pilieri embracing loved ones on the streets outside the prison. One video showed Márquez beaming and video-calling family members, saying, “Soon I will be with you all.”
Five Spanish citizens — including the prominent Venezuelan-Spanish lawyer and human rights activist Rocío San Miguel — were also released in the afternoon and, as the night wore on, reports trickled out of more detainees walking free. Relatives who waited for hours outside a prison in Guatire, about an hour east of Caracas, briefly chanted, “Libertad! Libertad!” meaning “Freedom! Freedom!”
That is very cool.
It’s not clear yet exactly how many were released, and people are calling to release them all because they’re holding a lot of prisoners. But it’s a very positive sign that the pressure campaign is bearing fruit. I don’t think he can trust the interim folks, but I’m sure he knows that. But this shows they are complying, courtesy of the “big stick” approach.
Trump also noted the investment by private companies in developing oil that would help restore the country.
“At least 100 Billion Dollars will be invested by BIG OIL, all of whom I will be meeting with today at The White House. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he declared in the post.
He had already said they would be purchasing only American-made products.
Trump noted in a Wednesday Truth Social post, “I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing ONLY American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal. These purchases will include, among other things, American Agricultural Products, and American Made Medicines, Medical Devices, and Equipment to improve Venezuela’s Electric Grid and Energy Facilities.”
“In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner – A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.
So what he’s doing is not only cutting off their connections with our enemies, but ensuring they are more of an ally to us in our own hemisphere, and that we, as a country, are not only more secure but also benefit.
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