The U.S. State Department began initial preparations to reopen its embassy in Caracas, according to a department official cited by the Associated Press in a report posted on X between 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. UTC on Jan. 5, 2026. Separately, oil executives are expected to meet with Trump administration officials this week to discuss a Venezuela plan, a source told Reuters reporter Jarrett Renshaw, who noted on X during the same period that companies are reluctant to hold group discussions due to antitrust concerns over investment plans, timing, and production levels. These developments follow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's not guilty plea earlier on Jan. 5 at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where his attorney Barry Pollack addressed medical issues, according to prior reports from CBS News and Inner City Press on X. A post on X by GordoEdicion during the reporting window described an incident where someone snatched a Venezuelan flag from a person, telling them to use their own country's flag, though no further details or location were provided.
