Venezuela's Rodriguez promises elections at the 'right moment' as Trump discusses debt overhaul with interim leader

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026 · last updated 24 September 2026.

President Donald Trump and Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez at their UN sidelines meeting, held just kilometres from the New York jail where captured former dictator Nicolás Maduro awaits trial.

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez pledged to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that elections will be held as part of a democratic transition, but refused to give a specific date, saying Venezuelans will determine the "right moment." Rodriguez praised Trump for resuming ties after US forces seized former President Nicolás Maduro in a January raid, and the two leaders met on the sidelines of the General Assembly to discuss restructuring Venezuela's vast sovereign debt. Critics accuse Washington of abandoning demands for free elections in exchange for oil and investment deals with Rodriguez's unelected government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted a "free and fair election" remains the ultimate goal but acknowledged the debt workout — potentially worth $150 to $200 billion — must come first.

Maduro, deposed in the January US military raid, is currently held just miles from the UN headquarters awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges.

Yahoo News UKVenezuela's Rodriguez promises elections Yahoo News UKVenezuela's acting leader, at UN for first address, praises Trump for 'readiness' to resume ties Yahoo News UKTrump, Venezuela's Rodriguez discuss debt overhaul, Rubio says APVenezuela’s acting leader, at UN for first address, promises elections at the ‘right moment’ReutersVenezuela's Rodriguez promises elections in transition to 'full democracy'ReutersTrump, Venezuela's Rodriguez discuss debt restructuring, Rubio says

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