New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has delivered a sharp warning to Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez, cautioning that she could face consequences even more severe than those imposed on Nicolás Maduro if she continues to resist Washington’s demands following the US led operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture.
In remarks made during a recent phone interaction, Trump said Rodríguez would “pay a very big price” if she failed to do what he described as the right course of action. He referred to Maduro, who has been taken into custody in the United States after a late night military operation in Caracas, as an example of what defiance could lead to.
Trump made it clear that he would not accept Rodríguez’s rejection of the US intervention that removed Maduro from power. He stressed that Washington now expects complete cooperation from the interim administration, including unrestricted access to Venezuela’s resources. According to Trump, such access is essential for rebuilding the country and reshaping its future.
The US President also hinted that Venezuela may not be the final case of American intervention, suggesting that Washington’s strategic interests extend beyond Latin America. He reiterated his belief that rebuilding Venezuela and pursuing political change would leave the country better off than under its previous leadership.
Trump’s remarks marked a noticeable shift from his earlier scepticism about nation building, dismissing criticism from sections of his domestic support base. He maintained that the current situation in Venezuela could not deteriorate further and that decisive action was justified.
Rodríguez responded firmly, rejecting any suggestion of cooperation under pressure. She stated that Venezuela was prepared to defend its natural resources and sovereignty, and accused the United States of violating international law. Emphasising peace and dialogue, she said the country sought respectful international relations based on non interference and equality.
Rodríguez assumed the role of interim President following a court directive after Maduro’s detention. A long serving figure in Venezuela’s socialist leadership, she has received the backing of the military and continues to assert that Maduro remains the legitimate leader in the eyes of his supporters.
Meanwhile, US officials have described the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest as a carefully planned mission involving multiple government agencies. They said the action was part of a broader effort to hold him accountable for alleged criminal activities that had destabilised the region.
The standoff has intensified tensions between Washington and Caracas, raising concerns about further escalation as both sides harden their positions.
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