In a significant development, the American flag was hoisted over the US Embassy in Venezuela on Saturday, marking the first time in several years and signaling a potential shift in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in US-Venezuela relations,” announced the US Embassy team via X, a popular social media platform, in a post written in Spanish.

Laura F. Dogu, the newly appointed head of the US mission in Caracas, recounted the momentous occasion: “On the morning of March 14, 2019, we lowered the American flag for what seemed like the last time at the US Embassy in Caracas. Today, on March 14, 2026, my team and I proudly raised it once again.”

Back in 2019, the United States withdrew its embassy staff from Venezuela due to the worsening situation after then-President Nicolás Maduro severed diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Diplomatic relations have only recently been restored following the capture of Maduro by US forces on January 3.

The sight of the Stars and Stripes fluttering in the wind quickly drew the attention of local residents on Saturday.

“It’s a good thing, really, what a joy,” said Caracas resident Luz Verónica López.

“Other countries must come back too because that’s what we need – progress,” he added. “To move forward with good relations with the rest of the world, as it should be.”

“This is positive; this is another step,” said Alessandro Di Benedetto, another Caracas resident. 

Though Washington publicly says it has “a very good relationship” with Venezuela acting President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former No. 2, it doesn’t see anyone once loyal to the despot leading the South American country over the long haul.

Last week Reuters reported the Trump administration was eyeing possible corruption and money laundering charges against Rodriguez if she did not continue to comply with the White House’s demands.

The draft criminal indictment, which the US Attorney’s Office in Miami has been quietly building for two months, focuses on her alleged involvement in laundering money from Venezuela’s state oil company, and is currently being used as a bargaining chip.

With Post Wires