The American flag was hoisted again at the US Embassy located in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed in 2019 and the flag was taken down. Exactly seven years later, the US flag was raised on Saturday over the US Embassy in Venezuela for the first time since 2019
This step was taken after former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by the US military in January 2026 and imprisoned in New York. Nicolas Maduro has been succeeded by Delsey Rodriguez as interim president, who has tried to continue talks with the US. US President Donald Trump has also supported Rodriguez’s efforts.
The US Embassy team issued a statement on social media saying, “On the morning of March 14, 2019, the American flag was lowered for the last time, and today, March 14, 2026, at the same time, it was raised again, seven years later.” He called the occasion “a new beginning” and said the United States stands with Venezuela.
Although the flag has been hoisted, the embassy building is still undergoing major renovation work. It is therefore unclear when the embassy will be able to fully reopen and resume normal activities.
Local people of Caracas welcomed the event. “It’s a great thing, really happy. Other countries should also come back because we need progress, we need good relations with the world,” said Luz Veronica Lopez, a resident. Another resident, Alessandro Di Benedetto, said many people were surprised and happy, considering it a positive step.
The event marks a significant step toward improving relations between the US and Venezuela following long-standing tensions, although some Venezuelans are still critical of US influence and the manner in which Maduro was removed, particularly over increased US interference in the oil industry.