Venezuela releases six American men after Trump’s envoy met Maduro

Venezuela released six American detainees after interviews in Caracas between President Nicolás Maduro and a senior Trump administration official.

The liberation of men was announced on social networks by Donald Trump and his special envoy, Richard Grenell. Their names were not made public.

Grenell – who published a photo of the six online on board his plane – said they had spoken by phone to President Trump to thank him.

Earlier, the White House had called upon Venezuela to release what it called “US hostages” – as well as to agree to receive Venezuelan criminals expelled by the United States – or to face consequences.

Grenell did not name the six men, who were seen dressed in light blue outfits used by the Venezuelan penitentiary system.

At least nine people with citizenship or residence in the United States are among more than 2,200 prisoners by the Venezuelan authorities following national demonstrations against the results of the elections disputed in July 2024, in which Nicolás Maduro claimed the victory.

His re-election was largely rejected by the opposition and the international community, including the United States. He was sworn in for his third term last month.

“We are wheels and get home with these 6 American citizens,” Grenell posted on X. “They just talked to @realdonaldtrump and they could not stop thanking him.”

Trump praised the move in a separate post, saying that Grenell brought the six “Venezuela”.

Venezuelan state media said discussions with President Trump’s envoy had been respectful.

After the meeting, Maduro said the talks had “zero agenda” and that he had asked for a “new start in bilateral relations” with the United States.

However, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Friday that Grenell’s visit did not signify Maduro’s American recognition as a legitimate leader in Venezuela.