Venezuela's acting president speaks with Trump, Rubio after earthquake

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced a direct phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the wake of devastating earthquakes. During the call, American officials formally pledged political, technical, and humanitarian support from the White House to aid Venezuela's recovery from the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors. Rodríguez highlighted the importance of this bilateral contact amid the national emergency, expressing gratitude for Washington's willingness to coordinate assistance in critical areas. She previously described the U.S. president as a partner in pursuing a new agenda for bilateral cooperation aimed at lifting international economic sanctions. This high-level communication coincides with the deployment of U.S. relief personnel, with the State Department and Pentagon collaborating to overcome logistical challenges exacerbated by the temporary closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport due to severe damage. U.S. Marine Corps Major General Kevin J. Jarrard arrived to lead technical contingency assessments. This direct engagement signifies a political shift in Venezuela, following the U.S. capture of former president Nicolás Maduro on January 3, which paved the way for increased dialogue and visits by high-ranking Washington officials. American rescue brigades are joining a multinational effort that includes missions from El Salvador, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, Ecuador, Spain, Chile, and Colombia, focused on locating survivors nearly 48 hours after the main earthquakes. Venezuelan authorities have reported at least 920 fatalities and 3,360 injuries, primarily in the Capital District and the coastal state of La Guaira.