Venezuela Releases Imprisoned U.S. Veteran in Deal Reportedly Tied to Chevron Oil Extension

The authoritarian government of Nicolas Maduro has released U.S. Air Force veteran Joseph St. Clair, who had been detained for approximately six months, in what appears to be part of a broader diplomatic engagement with the Trump administration.

Richard Grenell, Trump's envoy for special missions, announced St. Clair's release Tuesday evening in a post on X:

"Joe St. Clair is back in America. I met Venezuelan officials in a neutral country today to negotiate an America First strategy. This is only possible because @realDonaldTrump puts Americans first"

St. Clair's family said in a statement published by The Washington Post that the release came unexpectedly. "We are still processing it — but we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude," his parents, Scott and Patti St. Clair, said. "We remain in prayer and solidarity with the families of those who are still being held."

St. Clair, a decorated veteran from Washington state who served four tours in Afghanistan and was honorably discharged in 2019, was reportedly visiting a friend's relative near the Colombian-Venezuelan border when he was arrested in October 2024. He was believed to be held in Rodeo I, a prison known for harsh conditions and the detention of political prisoners.

Coinciding with St. Clair's release, Grenell also said that as a result of "progress" made with the Venezuelan government, the Trump administration will grant an extension for Chevron's oil operations in Venezuela, fueling speculation that St. Clair's release is connected to the decision. Chevron's oil operations, protected by a Treasury Department exemption despite sanctions, provide about 20% of Venezuela's total output and serve as a key economic channel for the country.

The U.S. Treasury Department had set April 3 as the deadline for Chevron to end its operations in the country, but extended the date to May 27 to give the oil company more time. It will now be extended for about two more months. St. Clair is the seventh American to be released this year through direct engagement between the Trump team and the Maduro government after six others were let go back in April.