Department of State spokesperson on Voz News: 'Trump stands by his goals for the three phases of transition in Venezuela'

Department of State spokesperson Natalia Molano said Tuesday in an interview with Voz News anchor and executive director Karina Yapor that the Donald Trump administration has not changed its objectives for Venezuela and that the eventual meeting between the U.S. president and Delcy Rodríguez is part of a three-phase transition strategy. "The objectives are very clear. This is another area in which the government and President Trump's administration have been very consistent and strategic, and these goals for the three phases of transition in Venezuela have not changed," Molano stated.

The official explained that Washington seeks for Venezuela to achieve political and economic stability, as well as national reconciliation and a democratic transition. "We want to see Venezuela become stable, recover economically, achieve political reconciliation, and undergo a democratic transition," she said. According to Molano, these objectives "have been reiterated—it's no secret"—and the interim authorities are aware of the U.S. strategy.

Regarding the meeting between Trump and Rodríguez, which some sectors of the Venezuelan opposition have questioned, Molano maintained that the U.S. president keeps the door open to dialogue. "President Trump is always open to dialogue, to talks, to meetings," she said, describing him as "a pragmatic leader."

Molano added that the White House described the meeting as an informal gathering and expected to release information later about what was discussed. "We will likely see a summary of what the conversation was about and what the outcomes will be," she said. In her view, the meeting is taking place because it could represent progress for the U.S. strategy on Venezuela.

The spokesperson also addressed the possibility of elections in Venezuela in 2027. She stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not set a specific date but is committed to a democratic transition with sufficient conditions to ensure its sustainability. "It should not be merely a ceremony or a formality, but should truly signify a lasting democracy for Venezuela," Molano said, who added that Venezuelans must be the ones who "truly choose" and have "full confidence—complete trust—in this entire transition."

Regarding Cuba, Molano endorsed Trump's stated goal of bringing about the regime's downfall and highlighted Rubio's role in the talks. "We want the people of Cuba to be free," the official stated, noting that Washington has maintained a policy of "accountability" and recalling the "hundreds of sanctions and designations" imposed on officials and entities linked to the Cuban regime.

"We are targeting the regime's source of revenue and cutting off all that income from the Cuban elites who remain in control," she said, before adding that she expects that "we will soon see the results of all these measures."

In another part of the interview, Molano defended cooperation with Mexico on security and drug trafficking, saying the Trump administration recognizes the efforts of Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, though she maintained it is still not enough. "We cannot stop until we have eliminated the transnational terrorist organizations plaguing our hemisphere," she stated.

On pressure to secure the extradition of Mexican officials identified by the United States, Molano said "diplomatic efforts continue" and highlighted Mexico as "a key partner" in achieving Washington's national security objectives. The spokesperson also presented the Shield of the Americas as an example of regional cooperation and said "the door is open" to bringing in more partners.

You can watch the full interview with Natalia Molano by clicking on the video below.