US President, Donald Trump has said that Venezuela is releasing “large numbers of political prisoners” as a sign that the country is “seeking peace,” claiming the development prompted him to cancel what he described as a previously expected “second wave of attacks.”

 

 

 

Trump made the claim in a post on his Truth Social account at 4:19 a.m. Eastern on January 9, 2026, describing the alleged prisoner releases as “a very important and smart gesture.”

 

 

 

 

According to the President, the United States and Venezuela are “working well together,” particularly on efforts to rebuild Venezuela’s oil and gas infrastructure “in a much bigger, better, and more modern form.”

 

 

 

“Because of this cooperation, I have cancelled the previously expected second wave of attacks,” Trump wrote, adding that it “looks like it will not be needed.”

 

 

 

Despite the announcement, Trump said US ships would remain in place “for safety and security purposes.”

 

 

 

He also claimed that “at least $100 billion will be invested by big oil” and said he planned to meet with oil company executives later on Friday at the White House.

 

 

 

The statement did not provide details on which political prisoners were being released, the specific nature of any agreements between the United States and Venezuela, or the military actions referenced by the President.