Trump Warns New Venezuelan Leader Delcy Rodríguez

Trump Warns New Venezuelan Leader

Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Delcy Rodríguez, the new leader of Venezuela, stating that she could face a "very high price, likely higher than that paid by Maduro," if she fails to "do what is right." These comments were made during an interview for The Atlantic magazine, just before former president Nicolás Maduro appeared in court in New York.

The United States has accused Maduro of drug trafficking and arms crimes, claiming he runs a regime of "narco-terrorism," an allegation he denies. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the United States is not at war with Venezuela, despite airstrikes in Caracas that led to the detention of Maduro and his wife, who were later transported to the U.S.

Trump promised that the United States would "lead" Venezuela until a "safe and sound" transition is possible. He also noted that American oil companies would invest in infrastructure to generate profits for the country.

According to reports, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in a special military operation and have been accused of crimes related to arms and drugs. Maduro denies the allegations, claiming the U.S. is using the "war on drugs" as a pretext to depose him and seize Venezuela's oil resources.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been appointed as interim president after being sworn in by the Supreme Court of the nation, still retaining support from the military. She is set to be officially inaugurated, highlighting the ongoing political tensions, as several Democratic leaders in the U.S. contest the legality of the Trump administration's actions, labeling them as an "act of war."