Donald Trump has warned Venezuela’s new leader, Delcy Rodríguez, that she could “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” if she does not “do what’s right.” He made the remarks in an interview with The Atlantic.
The comments came as Venezuela’s deposed president, Nicolás Maduro, is set to appear in a New York court. US authorities accuse Maduro of drug trafficking and weapons-related crimes, describing his government as a “narco-terrorist regime,” allegations he strongly denies.
Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president under Maduro, adopted a conciliatory tone during her first cabinet meeting. She expressed readiness to cooperate with the United States on an agenda focused on shared development within the framework of international law.
Backed by Venezuela’s Supreme Court and the military, Rodríguez is expected to be sworn in as president on Monday morning in Caracas.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that the United States is not at war with Venezuela, despite air strikes on Caracas on Saturday that led to Maduro and his wife being detained and transported to the US. Some Democratic lawmakers described the operation as an “act of war.”
Trump said that for Venezuela, “regime change, whatever you want to call it, is better than what you have right now,” adding that the situation “can’t get any worse.” He also stated that the US would “run” the country until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” is possible.
He further promised that US oil companies would move into Venezuela to repair infrastructure and begin generating revenue “for the country.”
Despite Washington’s claims, Maduro’s allies remain in control. The Cuban government reported that 32 “brave Cuban combatants” were killed during the US operation and announced two days of national mourning.