Washington — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a previously planned “second wave of attacks” against Venezuela, citing improved cooperation from the interim Venezuelan government and the release of political prisoners. Trump made the announcement in an early–morning post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

In his message, Trump described the Venezuelan government’s decision to free “large numbers of political prisoners” as a significant gesture in the effort “to seek peace,” and he framed it as a key factor behind his decision to halt further military action. “This is a very important and smart gesture,” Trump wrote, noting that cooperation between the two nations had improved.

Trump highlighted that the United States and Venezuela are now collaborating “especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.” He also stated that due to this cooperation, the second wave of attacks “looks like it will not be needed,” though he said U.S. naval assets will remain in the region “for safety and security purposes.”

The president indicated that meetings are scheduled at the White House with executives from major American oil companies, which he claims will invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela’s energy sector. Trump said these investments will support the modernization and expansion of oil and gas infrastructure.

The Venezuelan government’s release of political detainees — including both Venezuelan nationals and several foreign citizens — has been confirmed by multiple sources as part of a broader effort to stabilize the country following recent political upheaval. Critics, however, caution that hundreds of political prisoners remain in detention and that these releases may be more symbolic than substantive.

Meanwhile, Trump also noted that he expects a meeting in Washington with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, whose growing international profile could factor into future diplomatic engagements. Responses from both the White House and representatives of Machado’s office are pending. Reporting from Washington.