US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez that she would face serious consequences if she failed to cooperate with the United States. His remarks came shortly after US forces detained former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
“If she doesn’t do what’s right, she’s going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” Trump said during a brief telephone interview with The Atlantic.
US Strikes Caracas, Maduro Taken Into Custody
US forces carried out air strikes on military targets in Caracas early Saturday morning. During the operation, Maduro and his wife were removed from Venezuela and flown to New York. US authorities said the two would face federal narcotrafficking charges.
Following the operation, the Trump administration made it clear that it was open to talks with remaining members of Maduro’s government. However, Washington said any engagement would depend on meeting US demands. One key demand is allowing American investment in Venezuela’s large crude oil reserves.
Rodriguez Named Interim President, Takes Defiant Stand
Trump’s warning came after Venezuela’s Supreme Court and senior military officials confirmed Delcy Rodriguez as interim president. In her first public response after the US action, Rodriguez struck a defiant tone.
She insisted that Maduro was still Venezuela’s only legitimate leader. She also said the country was “ready to defend our natural resources,” signalling resistance to foreign pressure.
Trump Defends US Role Despite Past Opposition to Regime Change
Trump has often criticised US-led nation building and regime change in other countries. Even so, he suggested a strong American role in Venezuela following the operation.
He said the United States would “run” Venezuela, arguing that major change was necessary. Speaking to The Atlantic, he said “rebuilding there and regime change whatever you want to call it, is better than what you have right now.”
“Rebuilding is not a bad thing in Venezuela’s case,” he said. “The country’s gone to hell. It’s a failed country. It’s a totally failed country. It’s a country that’s a disaster in every way.”
Trump Again Pushes Greenland Claim
During the same interview, the 79-year-old Republican also repeated his long-standing demand that Greenland should become part of the United States. Greenland is an autonomous territory under Denmark, a NATO ally.
When asked what the U.S. military action in Venezuela might mean for Greenland, Trump said: “They are going to have to view it themselves. I really don’t know.”
He added, “But we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defence.”