Trump warns new Venezuelan leader as Maduro set to appear in court in New York

Donald Trump cautioned Venezuela's newly appointed leader, Delcy Rodríguez, against disregarding expectations, warning that she could face severe consequences potentially exceeding those faced by former president Nicolás Maduro if she fails to act appropriately. His remarks, made during an interview with The Atlantic, align with the ongoing legal proceedings against Maduro, who is scheduled to appear in a New York courtroom on Monday. The United States has accused Maduro, already facing charges of narcoterrorism and weapons trafficking, of leading a regime with ties to drug trafficking, allegations that he denies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pushed back against claims that recent airstrikes in Caracas signify an act of war. The strikes, which resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have prompted criticisms from Democratic lawmakers branding the operation as such. Rubio emphasized that the US action targeted criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, not Venezuela itself. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his stance in the same Atlantic interview, stating the necessity of regime change in Venezuela and suggesting any alternative would be better than the current circumstances. He announced plans for the US to oversee the country until a smooth transition of power is achieved and pledged the involvement of US oil companies to revive Venezuela's infrastructure while generating economic progress.

Maduro’s loyalists continue to hold positions of power despite these developments. Cuban officials have reported casualties 32 Cuban combatants lost their lives during the operation and declared two days of mourning, underscoring Cuba's enduring solidarity with Venezuela's socialist leadership under Maduro. In televised appearances on Sunday morning, Rubio maintained that the United States is committed to combating drug networks rather than engaging in conflict with Venezuela. He hinted at ongoing American measures, including restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports, asserting that future decisions would hinge on the actions taken by Rodríguez’s government. Trump also issued a stern warning directed at Colombia during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, condemning President Gustavo Petro while implying possible military intervention against Colombia. Labeling Petro "a sick man," Trump accused Colombia’s leadership of aiding drug production and asserted that such activities would soon be curtailed. Since 2013, Maduro has governed Venezuela under the United Socialist Party banner and stands accused by both domestic opposition groups and foreign nations of exploiting violent measures to suppress dissent and unfairly securing victory in the country's 2024 presidential election. His recent capture alongside his wife unfolded as part of a daring special forces raid early Saturday morning, which included targeted strikes on military sites. Now facing charges tied to drug operations and illegal arms dealings,the couple is set for a court appearance in New York.

Arguing his innocence, Maduro has dismissed allegations connecting him to cartel leadership and accused the US of manipulating its so called “war on drugs” as a pretext for ousting him and gaining control over Venezuela’s oil reserves. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino contested claims by US officials that no American personnel were harmed during the mission, reporting heavy losses among Maduro's security forces alongside military personnel and civilian casualties. This operation has also raised questions regarding congressional oversight. Rubio clarified that no formal approval was sought beforehand, citing concerns over potential information leaks that could jeopardize the mission. He characterized the effort as a "law enforcement operation" led by FBI agents rather than a full-scale invasion. Furthermore, when asked about US recognition of Rodríguez as Venezuela's legitimate president, Rubio deflected by stating that legitimacy was not the focal point of US actions, dismissing Rodriguez’s administration as non-recognized in Washington’s perspective. Photo Credit: Instagram President Trump