Trump Issues Warning to Venezuela’s Incoming Leader as Maduro Heads to US Court
Former US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Venezuela’s incoming leader, Delcy Rodríguez, saying she could face consequences “even greater than Maduro” if she fails to meet US expectations. The remarks come as Venezuela’s ousted president, Nicolás Maduro, is due to appear in a federal court in New York City.
Trump made the comments in an interview with a US magazine, as Washington prepares for Maduro’s first court hearing following his transfer to the United States. US prosecutors have accused Maduro of drug trafficking and weapons-related offences, allegations he has repeatedly denied.
Change of Leadership in Caracas
Following Maduro’s removal, Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president, has emerged as Venezuela’s new leader with backing from the country’s Supreme Court and senior military officials. She is scheduled to be sworn in as president on Monday morning in Caracas.
At her first cabinet meeting on Sunday, Rodríguez struck a notably measured tone. She signaled openness to engagement with Washington, calling for cooperation focused on development and stability within the framework of international law.
She said her administration was prepared to work with the United States on shared priorities, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation as Venezuela enters a new political phase.
Trump’s Strong Message
Despite Rodríguez’s conciliatory remarks, Trump offered a stark warning. He said that if Venezuela’s new leadership does not take what he described as the “right steps,” the consequences could be severe.
Trump also repeated his view that political change in Venezuela was unavoidable, arguing that the country’s situation could not deteriorate further. He suggested that US involvement would continue until what he called a “safe and orderly transition” is achieved.
On Saturday, Trump had stated that the United States would oversee Venezuela’s affairs temporarily, a claim that has been met with skepticism by international observers and criticism from some US lawmakers.
US Officials Push Back on ‘War’ Claims
Senior members of the US administration have sought to clarify Washington’s position. Marco Rubio said the United States was not at war with Venezuela, following air strikes in Caracas that preceded Maduro’s detention.
In multiple television interviews, Rubio said US actions were directed at criminal networks rather than the Venezuelan state itself. He stressed that Washington’s focus was on combating drug trafficking organizations, not engaging in a broader military conflict.
Rubio added that the US would assess Venezuela’s new leadership based on its actions, warning that Washington retains significant economic and diplomatic tools to protect its interests if cooperation does not materialize.
Oil and Economic Pressure
One of those tools, Rubio said, includes continued restrictions on Venezuela’s oil sector. The United States has placed tight controls on Venezuelan oil exports, a move that has had significant economic consequences for the country.
Trump has indicated that US energy companies could eventually play a role in rebuilding Venezuela’s infrastructure if conditions change. However, analysts say such outcomes depend heavily on political stability and international recognition of the new leadership.
Regional Concerns Grow
Trump’s comments have also raised concerns beyond Venezuela. Speaking to reporters while traveling aboard Air Force One, he criticized neighboring Colombia and its president, Gustavo Petro. Trump did not rule out taking action against Colombia, though he offered no details or timeline.
The remarks have unsettled regional observers, who warn that escalating rhetoric could heighten tensions across northern South America at a time of political uncertainty.
Allies React and Questions Remain
Despite Trump’s statements, many of Maduro’s long-standing allies remain in positions of influence within Venezuela. Cuba, a close ally of the former Venezuelan leader, has strongly criticized US actions. Havana announced days of national mourning, saying Cuban nationals were killed during the operation that led to Maduro’s capture.
As Maduro prepares to appear in a US courtroom and Rodríguez takes office in Caracas, uncertainty surrounds the future of US-Venezuela relations. Diplomats say the next steps taken by both governments will determine whether the crisis moves toward negotiation or deeper confrontation.
For now, Washington’s warnings and Caracas’s cautious outreach highlight a tense and uncertain moment, with regional stability hanging in the balance.