CARACAS – So, turns out that Venezuelan amnesty program, the one where they were letting out 'political prisoners' faster than you can say 'banana republic,' is apparently 'coming to an end.' You know, the one that was totally on the up-and-up and definitely not a cynical ploy to score points with the Biden… I mean Trump… administration? Yeah, that one.

Delcy Rodríguez, the interim prez who's somehow managed to make Trump think she's not as crazy as Maduro (low bar, tbh), announced this little tidbit. Apparently, this grand experiment in forgiveness, which lasted all of nine weeks, was just too successful. Too much freedom. Can't have that, can we?

According to Foro Penal, some group that keeps track of this stuff, almost 500 'political prisoners' got the golden ticket. But don't worry, there are still plenty more languishing in the clink. Plenty of room for activities.

Now, Foro Penal and Provea are throwing a hissy fit, claiming Delcy doesn't have the power to end the releases. Which, let's be honest, is probably true. But power is whatever you can get away with, right? That's Venezuelan politics in a nutshell.

And let's not forget the real MVP here: Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy's brother and head honcho of the National Assembly. He was the one who initially promised amnesty for 11,000 people. Maybe he forgot to read the fine print, which probably said 'expires after 9 weeks or whenever we feel like it.'

Here's the deal: Maduro's government used political prisoners to silence dissent. Delcy pretended to be different, Trump bought it (sort of), and now the show's over. It's all about optics, baby. And the optics of releasing potential troublemakers just aren't working for her anymore.

Of course, Marco Rubio's out there calling this a 'transition phase' before 'free and fair' elections. Translation: Don't hold your breath. Machado can go lead the country 'when the right time comes', which is code for 'never'.

So, what's the takeaway? Don't trust politicians, especially in Venezuela. And never, ever believe that an amnesty program is anything more than a temporary PR stunt. They aren’t releasing political dissidents because of the good of their heart. This ain’t Wakanda, this is Venezuela.

Another failed attempt at peace. But is it really that surprising? Another grift, another day in the world of politics. Guess you should get used to being disappointed, buddy.

I'm sure those 500 who got out are breathing a sigh of relief. As for the rest? Well, better luck next PR cycle. Or maybe start learning Russian.

I am not saying they should be put in there to begin with, but lets just make sure that the right folks are in and the bad ones are out. Keep the streets safe.

At the end of the day, it's just another day in Venezuela, where the only constant is corruption and the only certainty is disappointment. Time to grab some popcorn and watch the circus continue.