US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Venezuela’s incoming leader, Delcy Rodríguez, saying she could face consequences “even greater than Maduro” if she does not act in line with Washington’s expectations.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with a US magazine as Venezuela’s former president, Nicolás Maduro, was preparing to appear in a New York court on Monday. US authorities have charged Maduro with drug trafficking and weapons-related offenses, but he has repeatedly rejected the accusations.
Rodríguez Signals Willingness to Engage
Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president under Nicolás Maduro, adopted a more measured and conciliatory approach at her first cabinet meeting on Sunday. She publicly invited the United States to engage in cooperation focused on shared development and adherence to international law.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court and military leadership are backing Rodríguez, and she will take the oath as president in Caracas on Monday morning.
US Denies War with Venezuela
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is not at war with Venezuela, even after US forces carried out air strikes in Caracas on Saturday and detained Nicolás Maduro and his wife, later flying them to the United States.
Rubio described the operation as a targeted law enforcement action against drug trafficking networks, not a military conflict with the Venezuelan state. He added that the US still holds several tools of influence, including sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry.
Trump Pushes for Regime Change
In the interview, Trump argued that Venezuela would be better off under new leadership, saying the situation in the country could hardly get worse. He said the United States would step in temporarily to manage a transition, with US oil companies helping repair infrastructure and restart energy production.
However, Maduro’s allies continue to hold significant power inside Venezuela, raising questions about how quickly any political shift could take place.
Regional Fallout and International Reaction
Cuba, one of Maduro’s closest allies, said US forces killed 32 Cuban fighters during the operation and announced two days of national mourning. Venezuela’s defense minister said the strikes killed members of Maduro’s security team, soldiers, and civilians, while US officials said the attacks did not harm any American personnel.
Trump also made provocative remarks about neighboring Colombia, refusing to rule out military action and sharply criticizing Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, has long faced allegations of political repression and electoral misconduct. He and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained during a special forces operation that included strikes on military facilities. Both now face drug and weapons charges in the United States.
Maduro denies all allegations, accusing Washington of using anti-narcotics claims as a pretext to remove him from power and gain control over Venezuela’s oil resources.
Congressional Pushback in Washington
Several Democratic lawmakers criticized the operation, saying it was carried out without the approval of Congress. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the operation went far beyond a drug enforcement effort and amounted to a military action. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also raised concerns about its legality, cautioning against attempts to change another country’s government without clear legal authority.
Senior Democrats said they would support legislation aimed at blocking any further US action in Venezuela unless Congress approves it.
International Concerns Over Precedent
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain said in a joint statement that the US action could set a dangerous precedent, threaten regional stability, and put civilians at risk.
With Delcy Rodríguez about to take office and Nicolás Maduro now facing court proceedings in the United States, Venezuela is once again at the center of international attention, as uncertainty grows over what comes next.
