WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled political reasons behind supporting interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez in maintaining the narrative that Nicolás Maduro remains president, underscoring complex diplomatic and strategic calculations amid Venezuela’s ongoing crisis.
The comments come in the wake of a dramatic U.S. military operation in early January that resulted in the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro and his subsequent extradition to the United States to face federal charges. Following Maduro’s detention, Venezuela’s Supreme Court declared a temporary absence of the head of state, paving the way for Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president, a position she continues to hold.
Trump has publicly praised Rodríguez and described the relationship between the United States and her interim government as strong, saying he plans to visit Venezuela and emphasizing cooperation on issues including access to Venezuelan oil. He stated that Washington and Rodríguez’s administration enjoy a “very good relationship” and affirmed that the U.S. has recognised her leadership role.
Political analysts suggest that Trump’s encouragement for Rodríguez to maintain the line that Maduro is still president reflects broader strategic thinking. By supporting this narrative, Rodríguez may appear to temper internal divisions within the ruling chavista movement, preserve cohesion among military and political elites, and prevent further destabilization in Venezuela at a sensitive moment. Maintaining such a discourse could also serve U.S. interests in avoiding abrupt upheaval while advancing diplomatic and economic objectives.
The broader context includes Trump’s early January remarks that the United States would “run” Venezuela until a safe transition could be arranged, a statement that has drawn both support and criticism internationally. While U.S. officials stress cooperation and economic engagement, the legal and political implications of their intervention continue to spur debate.
Rodríguez herself has insisted that Maduro remains the legitimate president, even as she works with international partners to navigate Venezuela’s complex political landscape. Her stance reflects the tensions that persist within Venezuela’s government and the broader regional response to the U.S. intervention.
The evolving situation highlights the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement, domestic political stability in Venezuela, and shifting international alliances at a critical moment for the country’s future.