Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has downplayed recent comments by Venezuela’s acting leader, Delcy Rodríguez, asserting that Nicolás Maduro remains the country’s legitimate president despite being captured in a U.S. Military operation. The remarks came during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, .
Rodríguez made the assertion in an exclusive interview with NBC News last week, stating, I can tell you President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president. I tell you this as a lawyer that I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent,
according to the report.
Trump responded to a question about Rodríguez’s statement by suggesting it was a politically motivated necessity. I think she probably has to say that. I think politically, maybe she has to say that,
he said. He also added that Rodríguez is doing a very good job.
This assessment follows a period of significant upheaval in Venezuela, culminating in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a U.S. Military operation in Caracas earlier this month.
The capture of Maduro, indicted on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and other offenses, and Flores, took place in the early hours of . Both were subsequently transported to New York, where they have pleaded not guilty in federal court. The operation, which led to Maduro’s removal from power, has been described by some Democratic lawmakers as an act of war
, though U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted the U.S. Is not at war with Venezuela.
Since Maduro’s arrest, Trump has publicly praised Rodríguez’s leadership and highlighted the potential economic benefits of Venezuela’s oil resources for both countries. Rodríguez, who assumed power following Maduro’s capture, has signaled a willingness to cooperate with the U.S., inviting the U.S. Government to collaborate with us on an agenda of co-operation orientated towards shared development within the framework of international law,
as stated during her first cabinet meeting on .
However, Trump previously warned Rodríguez that she could face consequences bigger than Maduro
if she doesn’t do what’s right.
This statement, made shortly after Maduro’s capture, underscored the U.S. Administration’s firm stance on the situation and its expectations for the new Venezuelan leadership. He also stated that Regime change, anything you want to call it, is better than what you have right now. Can’t get any worse.
The U.S. Administration’s actions in Venezuela have been met with mixed reactions internationally. While the U.S. Has framed the operation as a necessary step to combat narco-terrorism and restore stability to the region, some observers have raised concerns about the potential for further instability and the implications for international law. The capture of Maduro and the subsequent installation of Rodríguez as acting president have created a complex geopolitical situation with far-reaching consequences.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently traveled to Venezuela to meet with Rodríguez, and indicated that he and other cabinet secretaries, and potentially Trump himself, would return. This signals a continued U.S. Engagement with the new Venezuelan government, focused on potential collaboration in areas such as oil infrastructure and economic development. Trump has also promised that U.S. Oil companies will move into the country to fix infrastructure and start making money for the country.
Rodríguez is scheduled to be sworn in as president in Caracas on , at , backed by Venezuela’s Supreme Court and the military. Her assertion that Maduro remains the legitimate president, however, complicates the political landscape and raises questions about the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as the new Venezuelan government navigates its relationship with the U.S. And the international community.
The U.S. Has accused Maduro of running a narco-terrorist
regime, a claim he denies. The ongoing legal proceedings against Maduro and Flores in New York will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of Venezuela and its relationship with the United States.
