US Names John M. Barrett as Chargé d’Affaires for Embassy in Caracas
Veteran diplomat John M. Barrett has arrived in Caracas to serve as chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, following his selection by the Trump administration. The embassy announced his arrival on Thursday. This marks a new phase in U.S. diplomatic presence after the ouster of Nicolás Maduro in January.
joe.ieU.S. diplomat John M. Barrett has arrived in Caracas to serve as chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, the mission announced on Thursday. This marks a new phase in U.S. diplomatic presence after the ouster of Nicolás Maduro in January.
A U.S. military raid ousted and captured Nicolás Maduro on January 3. ZeroHedge reported that Barrett, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, was selected by the Trump administration for the role in April.
Barrett most recently served as chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala. Before that, he served from 2023 to 2025 as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Panama. His prior diplomatic roles include serving as counselor for economic affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Peru.
ZeroHedge reported that the Director of the CIA visited Caracas after Maduro's ouster and shook hands with then-Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.
In a video published by the embassy on social media, Barrett said, 'The relationship between the United States and Venezuela will shape the future of our hemisphere.' He added, 'President Trump and Secretary Rubio have a clear vision for the prosperity of our region, and I am here to continue implementing their three-phase plan for Venezuela.'
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-25
The US Embassy in Venezuela announced John M. Barrett's arrival as chargé d’affaires.
1 sourceUS Embassy in Venezuela - 2026-04
John M. Barrett was selected by the Trump administration for the chargé d’affaires role.
1 sourceZeroHedge - 2026-01-03
A US military raid ousted and captured Nicolás Maduro.
1 sourceZeroHedge - Post-2026-01-03
The Director of the CIA visited Caracas and shook hands with then-Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.
1 sourceZeroHedge - 2023-2025
John M. Barrett served as deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Panama.
1 sourceZeroHedge
Potential Impact
- 01
Potential normalization of US-Venezuela diplomatic relations following Maduro's ouster.
- 02
Advancement of Trump's three-phase plan for Venezuela through Barrett's role.
- 03
Increased US diplomatic engagement in Latin America, building on Barrett's prior regional experience.
- 04
Possible growth in US presence, including intelligence activities, in Caracas.
Transparency Panel
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