Concerns Over Trump’s Relationship with Venezuelan Leadership
On Friday, Rachel Campos-Duffy, a host on Fox News, expressed her worries regarding President Donald Trump’s growing closeness to Delcy Rodriguez, the acting president of Venezuela. Rodriguez took on this role after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro on January 3. During her appearance on “Fox & Friends,” Campos-Duffy emphasized that Rodriguez is untrustworthy, suggesting that it could be politically damaging for Trump to imply a strong partnership with her.
“I think we need to talk about Venezuela; it’s really significant,” Campos-Duffy remarked. “We may be getting a bit too comfortable with Delcy Rodriguez. She is a staunch communist.” She urged for a focus on progressing towards free and fair elections in Venezuela, implying that this would be beneficial. “Rodriguez is not well-liked by the Venezuelan population. If we can secure a victory in the elections, we will find true allies like Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia to better handle the challenges posed by China,” she added.
Speaking from Miami, she continued, “Every time President Trump remarks on his good relationship with Delcy Rodriguez, it costs him support here, where there’s a strong aversion to communism.” Campos-Duffy stressed the importance of declaring an election date soon to foster freedom and security in the region.
Despite Maduro’s arrest, President Trump has chosen not to back Machado as the potential successor to Maduro. In an interview with The New York Times published on January 8, Trump suggested that U.S. governance over Venezuela could extend for years. When asked whether this could last for a year, he implied it could be even longer, saying, “Time will tell.” The administration indicated that it would oversee Venezuela until a “sensible” transition could be established following Maduro’s capture.
Additionally, Trump revealed plans to visit Venezuela, though he has yet to set a specific date. He has often praised Rodriguez, noting on February 13, “They’ve done a great job. The oil is flowing and they’re generating considerable revenue.”
