On Sunday, Venezuela’s acting president extended an offer to collaborate with the United States on a “joint development” initiative, marking a noticeable shift in dialogue since the recent detainment of President Nicolás Maduro.
In a social media post, acting President Delcy Rodriguez condemned Saturday’s military action as an unlawful appropriation of national assets, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering a respectful relationship with the U.S.
“We urge the U.S. government to collaborate on a cooperative agenda focused on joint development within the scope of international law, aiming to enhance the sustainable coexistence of our communities,” Rodriguez stated. “President Trump, our people, and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war.”
Rodriguez, who is also the oil minister, is seen as the most pragmatic figure among Maduro’s close aides, and Trump has indicated openness to engage with her.
Yet, Rodriguez and other officials have been vocal about their view that the detention of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, constitutes kidnapping, asserting that Maduro remains Venezuela’s rightful leader.
President Trump informed reporters that he might order further military action if Venezuela doesn’t align with U.S. objectives regarding its oil sector and combatting drug trafficking.
He also hinted at potential military involvement in Colombia and Mexico, mentioning that Cuba’s communist regime seems to be on the brink of collapse. The embassies of Colombia and Mexico in Washington did not reply to inquiries.
Maduro to Appear in Court Monday
This announcement by Rodriguez came just before Maduro’s scheduled court hearing in New York on Monday.
Officials from the Trump administration have framed Maduro’s arrest as a law enforcement measure in response to a 2020 indictment accusing him of narco-terrorism conspiracy.
During an Air Force One trip back to Washington from Florida, Trump explained that multiple factors influenced the actions against Maduro, including the surge of Venezuelan immigrants entering the U.S. and Venezuela’s historic decision to nationalize American oil interests.
“We’re reclaiming what they took,” Trump stated confidently. “We’re in charge.”
He claimed that oil companies would return to Venezuela, investing billions to revamp the nation’s oil production.
In the midst of these developments, global oil prices rose slightly, as investors began to evaluate the ramifications of U.S. military engagement in Venezuela, while Asian stock markets saw a rise as well.
Maduro, now 63, faces serious allegations of supporting major drug trafficking syndicates like the Sinaloa cartel and the Aragua gang.
Prosecutors claim he directed cocaine trafficking routes, utilized military protection for smuggling operations, and employed presidential resources for drug transport. The initial charges from 2020 have since been expanded to include Mrs. Flores, who is also charged with orchestrating a kidnapping and murder.
Maduro denies these allegations, and legal proceedings might stretch out for months.
Debate Over the Legitimacy of the Capture
The U.S. has deemed Maduro a dictator who illegitimately emerged from a 2018 election plagued by allegations of extensive fraud. However, Trump questioned the potential of opposition leader Maria Colina Machado—who is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate—as a suitable successor, citing a lack of backing.
Machado was barred from the 2024 elections, while his ally, Edmundo Gonzalez, could possibly step into the presidency. Some observers claim Machado won the election convincingly.
Maduro lacks significant allies globally, yet numerous countries have scrutinized the legality of detaining foreign leaders and have urged the U.S. to adhere to international law.
The U.N. Security Council is slated to convene on Monday to talk about the U.S. intervention, which Secretary-General António Guterres has called a hazardous precedent.
China has reiterated its disapproval of the U.S. actions, asserting they violate international law and demanding the release of Maduro and his wife.
The military action has sparked questions within Washington as well, with opposition Democrats alleging they were misled about U.S. policies concerning Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected to brief lawmakers at the Capitol later Monday.
Venezuela, once among the wealthiest nations in Latin America, has seen its economy plummet over the past twenty years, leading to one of the largest mass exoduses in the world, involving about one in five Venezuelans.
The ousting of Maduro, who has been in power for over 12 years after succeeding Hugo Chávez, might lead to even more instability in a nation of 28 million.
