President **Donald Trump** says **Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners**, crediting **direct U.S. involvement** in the process.
Trump stated he hopes those released remember **âhow lucky they gotâ** when the **United States stepped in**, signaling continued pressure and leverage over the Maduro regime.
This move reinforces Washingtonâs **open-door strategy** toward regime compliance â using sanctions relief, diplomatic pressure, and strategic engagement to extract concessions.
đ **Bigger Picture:**
The prisoner releases could mark an early confidence-building step amid broader negotiations involving **energy access, sanctions recalibration, and regional stability**.
đ Markets and geopolitics are closely watching whether this signals a **temporary gesture** or the **start of a wider shift** in U.S.âVenezuela relations.