Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has recently expressed her willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States regarding Venezuela’s future. This marks a notable change in tone following a high-stakes military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by US special forces. Rodriguez made these remarks on Telegram, stating, “We consider it a priority to move towards a balanced and respectful relationship between the US and Venezuela” while inviting the US government to collaborate on an agenda aimed at shared development.
Rodriguez, who has served as Maduro’s deputy since 2018, was appointed as interim leader by Venezuela’s Supreme Court after Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody during an operation reminiscent of the 2011 Navy SEAL mission that eliminated al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Despite her calls for cooperation, Rodriguez condemned the US actions as “an atrocity that violates international law,” asserting that Maduro remains the legitimate president of Venezuela. Her comments have ostensibly widened the gap with President Trump, who had initially portrayed her in a favorable light, only to escalate his rhetoric following Rodriguez’s denunciation of his administration.
Trump has now issued stark warnings to Rodriguez, stating, “If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.” Furthermore, he has hinted at the potential for additional military actions against Venezuela, claiming that the US is “in charge” of the situation. This confrontational approach has faced backlash, with protests erupting in the US and abroad, conflicting with Trump’s earlier pledges to prioritize an “America First” policy and avoid prolonged military engagements.
In a separate development, Rodriguez has announced the formation of a commission designed to secure the release of Maduro and Flores from US custody, where Maduro is facing severe charges related to narcoterrorism and weapon possession. The commission will be cochaired by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil and Rodriguez’s brother, Jorge, who leads the National Assembly.
The current scenario bears similarities to the 1990 case of former Panamanian President Manuel Noriega, who faced analogous accusations and was ultimately arrested by US forces. Noriega, once a US ally, was sentenced to extensive prison time for his criminal activities, only to navigate a complex legal journey across multiple countries before his death in 2017.
As Maduro prepares for his court appearance in New York federal court on Monday, the situation remains fluid. The Trump administration has framed the operation as a necessary law enforcement initiative to hold Maduro accountable for serious charges filed in 2020. However, Trump has emphasized that the raid also stems from broader geopolitical considerations, including the influx of Venezuelan immigrants to the US and historical grievances surrounding the nationalization of US oil interests decades earlier.
This developing situation signifies a complex interplay of diplomacy, military might, and international law, highlighting the urgent need for constructive communication as both nations navigate this unprecedented chapter in their tumultuous relationship.