Trump Issues Warning to Venezuela’s Interim Leader

President Donald Trump has cautioned Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, that serious repercussions await if she continues to oppose U.S. demands, especially following the military’s capture of Nicolas Maduro.

During a phone conversation, Trump stated, “If she doesn’t do the right thing, she’s going to pay a very high price, probably more than President Maduro.” Currently, Maduro is in custody in a New York City jail.

This warning came just a day after Trump had praised Rodríguez at a press conference, where he mentioned he would temporarily “run” the South American nation and claimed she had indicated a willingness to collaborate with the U.S.

Rodríguez was quick to dismiss this portrayal, asserting that Venezuela was “ready to protect our natural resources” and emphasized that “we will never again be a colony.”

Trump also responded to inquiries about his apparent shift in stance regarding the administration. Though he had been against nation-building in his first term, he is now advocating intervention in Venezuela.

In an interview, Trump threatened Rodríguez with a fate potentially worse than Maduro’s and defended the U.S. government’s interest in the leadership change. He also reaffirmed an interest in acquiring Greenland, calling it crucial for U.S. defense, citing its proximity to Russian and Chinese naval activity.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, urging other nations to monitor Venezuela closely. “When he says he’s going to do something, when he says he’s going to address a problem, he means it,” Rubio remarked.