Trump says Venezuela ‘not ready yet’ for elections as U.S. deepens ties with interim government

President Donald Trump says Venezuela is "not ready yet" to hold elections, raising new questions about the country's path toward democracy. The comments come as the Trump administration expands its economic relationship with Venezuela, including a major new oil agreement announced during a visit by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Trump praised interim President Delcy Rodríguez but declined to provide a timeline for future elections, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the goal is to ensure any vote leads to a lasting democratic system.