Public opinion in Venezuela is shifting as many citizens grow increasingly skeptical of the United States' role in the country's post-Maduro transition, according to new polling highlighted by POLITICO. While many Venezuelans remain grateful for the hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. humanitarian assistance following June's devastating earthquakes, confidence in Washington's political strategy appears to be eroding.
The survey, conducted in July by pollster Megan Barrett and cited by the Wall Street Journal, found that Secretary of State Marco Rubio's approval rating among Venezuelans has fallen by 15 percentage points since February. At the same time, acting President Delcy Rodríguez now faces roughly a 90% disapproval rating, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with her government's handling of the country's political transition and response to the earthquake disaster.
According to the report, the United States has committed more than $310 million in humanitarian assistance since the earthquakes struck on June 24, providing emergency relief, medical aid and reconstruction support. Although Venezuelans generally view that assistance positively, many separate humanitarian aid from Washington's political decisions, particularly its continued engagement with Rodríguez's administration.
The findings suggest the United States' image has shifted over the past several months. Following Nicolás Maduro's removal from power in January, many Venezuelans viewed Washington as a key partner in restoring democracy. Six months later, however, frustration has grown among politically active citizens who believe the promised democratic transition has stalled while members of the former Chavista establishment remain in positions of power.
A major source of criticism is the Trump administration's decision to continue working with Rodríguez's interim government rather than immediately transferring power to opposition leader María Corina Machado, who maintains she won Venezuela's disputed 2024 presidential election. Critics argue the approach has delayed meaningful democratic reforms, while supporters say maintaining institutional stability is necessary before holding new elections.
Rubio has repeatedly defended the administration's strategy, arguing that democratic change requires a phased approach rather than an immediate transfer of power. Last month, he announced that formal steps toward a democratic transition would begin in early August, including negotiations over electoral reforms and the creation of conditions for internationally recognized elections.
The administration's approach has also drawn criticism in Washington. In June, senior Democratic lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee sent Rubio a letter questioning the lack of a clear timetable for democratic elections and warning that Venezuela's interim government still includes many officials from the Maduro era.
Despite growing political frustration, the humanitarian response has received broader approval. The United States remains the largest provider of international earthquake assistance to Venezuela, with aid funding supporting emergency shelter, food distribution, medical care and infrastructure recovery.
The latest polling illustrates the delicate balance facing U.S. policymakers. While Washington continues to receive credit for disaster relief, many Venezuelans increasingly question whether its political strategy is delivering on promises of restoring democratic governance. As negotiations over electoral reforms begin this month, public confidence in both Rubio and the broader U.S.-backed transition may depend on whether Venezuelans see tangible progress toward free and fair elections.
