The Embassy of Venezuela in the United States announced a definitive halt to its operations beginning January 5, 2023, amid the disbandment of what was described as the interim government led by Juan Guaidó. This development was reported by DEA News and quickly circulated within both the Venezuelan community in the United States and the broader public.
In a formal statement, the embassy explained that it informed the Venezuelan diaspora and the general public that the Embassy of Venezuela in the United States and all its officials had officially ceased activities on Thursday, January 5, 2023. The decision, the statement added, reflected the will of the majority of the deputies of the National Assembly elected in 2015.
At the time, former President Nicolás Maduro declared a firm willingness to restore and normalize relations with the United States, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic posture even as other channels remained in flux.
Diplomatic ties between Caracas and Washington were formally severed in 2019, when the United States recognized the head of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, as the acting president following the 2018 electoral process. This recognition aligned the U.S. and several allies with the opposition-led configuration in Caracas, shaping a long period of strained interaction between the two capitals.
Since the 2018 crisis, the Venezuelan political landscape has been dominated by a clash over legitimate authority. The National Assembly, which in 2015 elected Guaidó as its president, and various international actors treated Guaidó as the interim leader of the country. In contrast, Maduro maintained control over the government and state institutions. Over the years, different countries aligned with either position, affecting diplomatic engagements, financial arrangements, and international cooperation. The situation has continually influenced how Venezuela engages with the United States, regional partners, and global institutions.
Experts note that the closure of the embassy is a symbolic step that reflects broader diplomatic realignments rather than a singular event. It underscores the fragility of the bilateral relationship and the importance of policy actions, statements, and votes within international forums that shape recognition, legitimacy, and ongoing dialogue. As such, observers emphasize the need to monitor official communications, regional responses, and potential channels that might reframe engagement between Caracas and Washington in the months and years ahead.
With the political scene in Venezuela evolving and international stances shifting at times, various actors continue to explore avenues for dialogue, humanitarian cooperation, and economic engagement. The legacy of past recognitions and the intricacies of the Venezuelan political system mean that any future steps toward normalization would likely require careful negotiation, consensus-building among domestic institutions, and consistent signal policy from major international partners. The status of the embassy, its personnel, and the practical implications for citizens abroad remain part of that ongoing conversation, as stakeholders weigh the best path toward stability and mutual respect in bilateral affairs.