From Chavez to Maduro: A timeline of US-Venezuela ties over the past two decades

2026-01-03 15:23:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Relations between Venezuela and the United States have marked numerous moments of tension over the past two decades.

The tensions and deteriorating situation date back particularly to 1999, when Hugo Chavez took office as president, to be continued by his successor Nicolas Maduro.

The relationship between the two countries over the years has this chronological line:

1999 – Chavez takes office : Hugo Chavez is elected president on an anti-imperialist platform and launches the so-called Bolivarian Revolution. Constitutional reforms and the nationalization of the oil sector quickly strain relations with Washington.

2000s – Escalation and hostility: Ties deteriorate as Chavez strengthens ties with Russia, China, and Iran. Venezuela expels US-backed NGOs and diplomats, while the US accuses Caracas of authoritarianism and media restrictions.

2002 – Coup attempt: A short-lived coup ousts Chavez within 48 hours. Venezuela accuses the US of supporting the plot, a claim Washington denies, reinforcing long-standing distrust.

2013 – Maduro rises to power: After Chavez's death, Nicolas Maduro narrowly wins the presidency. His term begins amid economic decline and deteriorating relations with the United States.

2014–2015: First major US sanctions: The US imposes sanctions and visa restrictions on Venezuelan officials due to human rights concerns, deepening economic strain.

2017–2019: The economic crisis intensifies: Washington blocks Venezuela's access to financial markets and tightens oil sanctions as hyperinflation rises.

2018 – Contested re-election: Maduro's re-election is widely contested. Opposition figure Juan Guaido declares himself interim president, gaining the support of the US.

2024- Contested vote: Maduro wins contested election against Edmundo Gonzalez. The UN and several governments question the results.

2025 – New escalation: Upon returning to office, President Donald Trump escalates pressure on Venezuela, reversing previous US engagement efforts under Joe Biden.

From Maduro's third term until his capture.

January 10, 2025 - Maduro is sworn in for a third term after disputed elections. The US rejects the result, repeating allegations of electoral fraud.

January 2025 – Trump returns to power in the US and revokes the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that had protected about 600,000 Venezuelans living in the US from deportation.

February 20, 2025: The Trump administration designates Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang as a “foreign terrorist organization.” Trump would continue to claim that Tren de Aragua is a front for Maduro, even though U.S. intelligence agencies themselves have said they have no evidence of any connection between the group and the Venezuelan leadership.

February 21, 2025 – Caracas agrees to coordinate with Washington on Trump’s massive deportation push; first group of migrants arrives in Venezuela. February 26, 2025 – Trump cancels Venezuelan oil concessions granted by Biden. March 24, 2025 – Trump imposes 25 percent tariffs on countries buying oil from Venezuela.

August 8, 2025 – The US doubles the reward for Maduro's arrest to $50 million, describing him as the "global terrorist leader" of the Cartel de los Soles.

September-November 2025 – Washington launches a naval “counternarcotics” campaign in the Caribbean and Pacific on September 2. At least 21 attacks on “suspected drug ships” have since killed more than 83 people.

October 15, 2025 – Trump confirmed that he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.

October 28, 2025 – Venezuela suspends a gas deal with Trinidad and Tobago due to a visit by a US warship.

November 12, 2025 – Venezuela begins military exercises across the country.

November 14, 2025 – The US announces the “Southern Spear” mission as forces deploy near South America. November 14-16, 2025 – The US sends the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, other warships, thousands of troops and stealth F-35 jets to the Caribbean.

November 22, 2025 – The FAA issues a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), warning airlines of the dangers in Venezuelan airspace due to “increased military activity,” including GPS interference. Airlines suspend flights to Venezuela. /CNA