Trump meets US-backed Venezuelan president for first time since Maduro's arrest

US President Donald Trump met with Venezuela's US-backed president, Rodriguez, for the first time since Nicolás Maduro was arrested and taken to the United States, according to a report from the BBC. Rodriguez was handpicked by Trump to lead Venezuela following the upheaval surrounding Maduro's removal.

The meeting marks a significant moment in the evolving relationship between Washington and the new Venezuelan leadership installed after Maduro's long rule came to an end. Maduro had governed Venezuela for more than a decade, a period marked by disputed elections, economic crisis and sustained tension with the United States.

A new chapter in US-Venezuela relations

Rodriguez's rise to the presidency with US backing represents a marked shift from the adversarial relationship that characterized US-Venezuela relations under Maduro. The circumstances of Maduro's arrest and transfer to the United States were not detailed further in the available report.

The meeting between Trump and Rodriguez is likely to be closely watched for signs of how the two governments intend to cooperate going forward, following a period of significant upheaval in Venezuelan politics.

Further details about the specific topics discussed during the meeting were not included in the available report.