Former US President Donald Trump has warned Venezuela’s incoming leader, Delcy Rodríguez, that she could “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” if she fails to cooperate with the United States.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with The Atlantic as Venezuela’s deposed president, Nicolás Maduro, prepared to appear in a New York court on drug trafficking and weapons charges, which he denies. The US accuses Maduro of running a “narco-terrorist” regime.
Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, struck a conciliatory tone at her first cabinet meeting, calling for cooperation with the US within international law. Backed by Venezuela’s military and Supreme Court, she is set to be sworn in as president on Monday.
The comments follow a dramatic US operation in Caracas that led to Maduro and his wife being arrested and flown to the US. While US officials insist the action was a law-enforcement operation, some Democratic lawmakers have condemned it as an “act of war” carried out without congressional approval.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is not at war with Venezuela but warned that the US would use economic and political leverage, including restrictions on Venezuela’s oil sector, if the new leadership fails to make “the right decisions.”
Trump also suggested possible action against neighbouring Colombia, escalating regional tensions. Meanwhile, several Latin American governments condemned the US operation, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for regional security.
