Trump Warns New Venezuela Leader Delcy Rodrguez

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, could face severe consequences if she refuses to cooperate with Washington, following the capture and detention of former president Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.

In a short phone interview with The Atlantic, Trump said Rodríguez would face “serious repercussions” if she failed to act in line with U.S. expectations, adding that the consequences could be even harsher than those faced by Maduro.

U.S. military forces launched a surprise operation in Caracas early Saturday, striking several military sites before extracting Maduro and his wife and transporting them to New York, where they are expected to face federal narcotics-related charges.

According to U.S. officials, Washington is prepared to engage with remaining members of Venezuela’s leadership, provided American strategic interests are met. These priorities include opening Venezuela’s vast oil reserves to U.S. investment.

Trump’s comments came shortly after Venezuela’s Supreme Court and senior military leaders recognized Rodríguez as interim president. However, she struck a defiant tone following the U.S. assault, insisting that Maduro remains the country’s only legitimate leader and declaring that Venezuela would defend its natural resources.

Although Trump has historically criticized foreign interventions and regime change, he stated on Saturday that the United States would take control of Venezuela’s future direction.

In remarks to The Atlantic, he said that rebuilding the country and replacing its leadership—however one chooses to describe it—would be an improvement over the current situation. Trump described Venezuela as a collapsed state, calling it a complete failure and a national disaster.

The 79-year-old Republican president also reiterated his long-standing call for Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, to become part of the United States.

When asked whether the military action in Venezuela sent a message to Greenland, Trump said the territory would have to draw its own conclusions. He added that Greenland is essential for U.S. national security, emphasizing its importance for defense purposes.