Trump says Venezuela not ready for elections but acknowledges 'progress'

President Donald Trump said Friday that Venezuela is not yet prepared for elections, but acknowledged that the country has made "a lot of progress." Trump made the remarks in the Oval Office, stating that "they are not ready for it yet, but boy, have they made a lot of progress."

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In regards to elections in Venezuela, they are not ready for it yet, but boy, have they made a lot of progress.

Trump specifically praised Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed provisional power in January after the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, saying she has been doing a "fantastic job." He also highlighted Venezuela's oil production, noting the amount of oil currently being exported and the potential for major companies to return.

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Delcy has been doing a fantastic job.

"It's a very fertile territory," Trump added, suggesting that Venezuela could serve as a model for what can be achieved in Cuba. He also claimed to be very popular in Venezuela due to his efforts to restore the country's economy.

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The amount of oil that is coming out of Venezuela right now, even before all the big companies get ready to go there.

However, the Venezuelan opposition has criticized the situation, pointing out that hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated and that government figures are still on U.S. Justice Department most-wanted lists. The opposition is demanding that negotiations for elections be expedited.

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It's a very fertile territory.