Trump Cancels ‘Second Wave Of Attacks’ As Venezuela Frees Political Prisoners

President Donald Trump said Friday that he had canceled a “previously expected” second wave of attacks targeting Venezuela, citing what he described as signs of cooperation from the country’s leadership. 

Trump said Venezuela is “releasing large numbers of political prisoners,” calling the move a gesture of goodwill toward the United States. He had previously declined to rule out follow-up strikes after American forces captured dictator Nicolás Maduro.

“Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace.’ This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure,” Trump wrote in an early morning Truth Social post. “Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security purposes.”

The prisoners freed by Venezuela reportedly included political figures who opposed Maduro, activists, and journalists. Political figures released included Biagio Pilieri, who worked on the presidential campaign of María Corina Machado, and Enrique Márquez, a 2024 presidential candidate. 

“Consider this a gesture by the Bolivarian [Venezuelan] government, which is broadly intended to seek peace,” said Jorge Rodríguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly. 

Trump added that American energy companies are expected to invest at least $100 billion to help rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry and that executives from U.S. oil firms would meet with him at the White House on Friday. 

A White House official told The Daily Wire that the meeting would take place at 2:30 local time and include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. 

“Following the announcement of President Trump’s historic energy deal with Venezuela, American oil companies will come to the White House to discuss investment opportunities that will restore Venezuelan oil infrastructure,” said White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers. “The American people, energy companies, and the Venezuelan people will all greatly benefit from these new, unprecedented investments in Venezuela’s oil infrastructure thanks to President Trump.”

More than a dozen companies will attend the meeting, including representatives from Chevron, Exxon, ConocoPhillips, Valero, Marathon, and Shell. Trump has said that American companies may be reimbursed by the government for their investments in Venezuela or earn revenue from oil production.