Donald Trump has warned Venezuela's new leader Delcy Rodríguez that she could 'pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro' if she 'doesn't do what's right'. His remarks were made during an interview with The Atlantic as Nicolás Maduro, the country's ousted president, was preparing to appear in a New York court.
Maduro is accused by the US of being a 'narco-terrorist', facing charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offences, allegations he vehemently denies. Following air strikes in Caracas that led to Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores's capture, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US is not at war with Venezuela, despite concerns raised by some Democratic lawmakers who termed the operation an 'act of war'.
Trump further asserted, 'Regime change, anything you want to call it, is better than what you have right now. Can't get any worse'. His remarks follow a military action that captured Maduro, who has been accused of repressing opposition and silencing dissent during his rule.
In addition, Trump claimed that US oil companies would be entering Venezuela to repair infrastructure and boost the economy. However, political leaders from countries like Brazil and Chile condemned the US action as dangerous, advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue instead.
As Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez has now assumed the role of interim president, pledging to continue the socialist policies of the current regime. She is expected to be officially sworn in as president soon.
While Rubio explains that the military operation was a law enforcement matter and not an invasion, critics, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, question the legality of the actions taken without congressional approval. The overall international response remains mixed, with some nations expressing alarm at the implications of such military interventions.
