U.S. Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the United States is directing policies in Venezuela, leaving regime members in place to administer the country following U.S. orders until free and fair elections are held, according to an X post by journalist Emma RincĂłn during the 59-minute reporting window ending at 3:46 a.m. UTC on January 26, 2026. Bessent, citing Spanish journalist Javier Negre, said, "We are directing policies in Venezuela, we have left members of the regime in place and they will administer the country following our orders... And when we believe it is time, free and fair elections will be held." The statement added that opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado has expressed support for President Trump, as reported in RincĂłn's post. This development follows Venezuelan Vice President Delcy RodrĂguez's statement earlier on January 26, stating "Enough of Washington's orders on politicians in Venezuela," according to an X post by @eduardomenoni during the prior reporting window from 12:46 a.m. to 2:46 a.m. UTC. The claims occur amid reports of U.S. plans for intervention in Venezuela to capture government leaders, including RodrĂguez, cited by @RNacional_News referencing U.S. politicians, DEA, and CIA information on drug trafficking and political prisoner deaths during the same prior period. Foro Penal verified the release of 104 political prisoners on January 25, 2026, as of 8 p.m., with executive director Alfredo Romero calling for official government lists, according to his X statement.
