US-Venezuela Conflict: Trump Issues Stark Warning to Venezuela's Interim President 'Fate Worse Than Maduro's'

US President Donald Trump has issued a severe warning to Venezuela's interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, stating that if she fails to align with American expectations for Venezuela, her fate could be far worse than that of former President Nicolas Maduro. This potent threat, revealed during an interview with The Atlantic magazine, underscores the escalating involvement of the United States in Venezuela's tumultuous political landscape. Trump's declaration places immense pressure on the newly appointed interim government to conform. To American interests, signaling a decisive shift in the power dynamics of the region.

The Interim Presidency and US Demands

Trump's statement made it unequivocally clear that severe repercussions await Delcy Rodriguez should she deviate from what the United States deems appropriate for Venezuela, while just a day prior, Trump had disclosed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had engaged in discussions with Rodriguez. During these talks, Rodriguez reportedly expressed a willingness to work towards improving. The living standards of the Venezuelan people, in line with US expectations. In a separate interview with the New York Post, Trump further indicated that if Rodriguez accedes to American demands, the deployment of US troops in Venezuela might not be necessary. This suggests that while military intervention remains an option, the US prioritizes a diplomatic resolution, contingent upon Venezuela's compliance, while however, Rodriguez has publicly criticized Maduro's removal from power and demanded his return, highlighting the inherent tension between the two sides.

Supreme Court's Mandate and Rodriguez's Ascent

Venezuela's Supreme Court has officially ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the role of interim President. According to a Bloomberg report, the Supreme Court instructed Rodriguez to. Immediately take charge with all presidential powers on an interim basis. This pivotal decision comes amidst profound political instability in Venezuela, fundamentally altering the country's power structure, while rodriguez's assumption of the interim presidency presents a new interlocutor for the United States, with whom the Trump administration claims to be in direct communication. This development further illuminates the significant influence of external powers on Venezuela's internal affairs, shaping its leadership and future trajectory.

Trump's Assertion of US Control Over Venezuela

President Trump has openly declared that the command of Venezuela is now effectively in the hands of the United States. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on a Sunday night, Trump revealed that the US is engaging in direct discussions with Venezuela's new leadership, specifically the acting President and Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez. Trump also mentioned that while he has not yet spoken with Delcy Rodriguez personally, his associates have established contact, while he indicated that he would speak with her when the appropriate time arrives. Also, Trump claimed that the US has provided no quid pro quo for Rodriguez's cooperation, yet she's collaborating. This assertion underscores America's efforts to establish its dominance and influence over Venezuela's governance.

US Pursuit of Access to Venezuela's Oil and Resources

Marco Rubio's Denial of US Occupation

During his interaction with journalists, Trump explicitly stated that the United States demands full access to Venezuela's resources from Delcy Rodriguez. He articulated, 'We need full access to the oil and other things of the country so that we can rebuild Venezuela. ' Describing Venezuela as a 'dead country,' Trump emphasized the imperative of its reconstruction. This statement clearly highlights America's economic interests in Venezuela, particularly its vast oil reserves. The US believes that access to these resources is crucial for Venezuela's rebuilding, a stance that raises significant questions about the nation's sovereignty and self-determination in managing its own wealth. Despite the strong rhetoric and actions, US Secretary of State. Marco Rubio clarified that the United States doesn't control Venezuela. He asserted that current US actions shouldn't be construed as an occupation. In an interview with CBS News, when asked if the US was occupying Venezuela, Rubio responded that while Trump keeps all options open for dealing with various situations, there is currently no ground occupation by the US. This statement attempts to delineate the nature of US involvement, even as its activities suggest. A strong and influential intervention in the country's affairs, balancing diplomatic messaging with assertive policy implementation.

Formation of a Dedicated US Team for Venezuela

On Sunday, Trump announced the formation of a specialized team dedicated to managing Venezuela's affairs. This team comprises prominent figures including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other senior officials, while the primary objectives of this team are to maintain law and order in Venezuela, restore governmental institutions to functionality, stabilize critical sectors such as oil, energy, and security, and effectively manage the transitional period. The establishment of this team signifies America's active and structured role in the reconstruction and stabilization. Of Venezuela, indicating a long-term commitment to shaping the country's future in line with US strategic interests.

The Dramatic Abduction of Former President Maduro and His Wife

In a dramatic turn of events, US forces launched an attack on Venezuela on the night of January 2, abducting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Following their capture, they were transported to New York and are currently being held in a detention center, where they face charges related to weapons and drug trafficking. This incident marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela's political history, signaling the definitive end. Of Maduro's controversial rule and representing the culmination of American intervention in the nation's leadership. The arrest has profound implications for Venezuela's future political trajectory and its international relations.

Key Events from Maduro's Presidency to His Arrest

Nicolas Maduro's political journey was marked by significant events, ultimately leading to his dramatic arrest. In 2013, Maduro, a former bus driver and worker union leader, was. Elected President of Venezuela following the death of leftist leader Hugo Chavez. By 2020, the United States accused Maduro and 14 of his close associates of terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption, offering a $1. 5 million reward for information leading to his arrest. In 2024, Maduro was declared the winner of the presidential election, a result disputed by the opposition, which claimed their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, had won by a significant majority.

In January 2025, the US increased the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $5 million, intensifying its campaign against him, while february 2025 saw Donald Trump announce that Venezuela had agreed to repatriate its citizens who had illegally entered the US, a rare instance of cooperation. By September 2025, the US launched attacks targeting drug trafficking boats in the Pacific and Caribbean Seas, resulting in over 100 deaths by December, further escalating regional tensions. In October 2025, Trump authorized the CIA to conduct secret operations in Venezuela, deepening the extent of US intervention, while finally, in January 2026, the US attacked Venezuela, arresting Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were taken to a detention center in New York, where they were charged with. Weapons and drug-related offenses, ushering in a new era for Venezuela under significant US influence.