Just in:Trump Says Venezuela Releasing Political Prisoners as Relations Improve.

President Donald J. Trump said Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners, describing the move as a significant gesture toward peace and a sign of improving relations between Washington and Caracas.

In a public statement, Trump characterized the releases as “very important and smart,” framing them as part of broader diplomatic engagement between the United States and Venezuela.

“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace,’” Trump said, adding that the two countries are “working well together.”

The announcement, if confirmed, would mark a notable development in Venezuela’s long-running political crisis.

The country has faced sustained international criticism for detaining opposition figures, journalists, activists, and protesters, many of whom have been labeled political prisoners by human rights organizations.

Prisoner releases have often been a key demand from the United States and its allies in past negotiations.

Trump’s comments suggest that recent cooperation—potentially linked to energy, sanctions, or diplomatic talks—may be producing tangible outcomes.

Analysts note that releasing political detainees has historically been used by the Venezuelan government as a signal of goodwill during periods of negotiation or easing tensions with foreign governments.

Supporters of engagement argue that such steps could help reduce political repression, open space for dialogue, and improve conditions for democratic participation in Venezuela.

They also see the releases as a possible confidence-building measure that could lead to further agreements between the two nations.

Skeptics, however, caution that previous releases have sometimes been partial or temporary, with critics later re-arrested or replaced by new detainees.

Human rights groups have stressed that sustained reform, judicial independence, and full accountability are necessary for meaningful progress.

The Trump administration has increasingly emphasized diplomacy tied to concrete actions, particularly in the Western Hemisphere.

If verified, the release of political prisoners would represent one of the most consequential steps taken by Venezuela in years and could signal a shift in U.S.–Venezuela relations after a long period of hostility.

As details continue to emerge, international observers are watching closely to see whether the reported releases mark a lasting change—or a short-term political gesture—in Venezuela’s approach to dissent and governance.