A dramatic shake-up has gripped Venezuela! In a stunning development, US forces recently apprehended Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. He’s now in the US, facing severe charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, to which he’s pleaded not guilty in a New York federal court.
With Maduro out, his vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, has stepped in as interim president. But President Donald Trump made it clear who’s ultimately in charge of the Latin American nation: “Me.” He revealed that a deal was struck for Maduro’s removal, and a dedicated US team, featuring prominent figures like Marco Rubio and JD Vance, is now overseeing Washington’s extensive involvement.
Trump emphasized that Venezuela isn’t ready for immediate elections, stating, “We have to nurse the country back to health” – suggesting a significant period of rebuilding ahead. White House chief of staff Stephen Miller confirmed that Senator Marco Rubio has been tapped to lead the implementation of crucial economic and political reforms, operating directly under the President’s close guidance.
The US believes it has “full, complete and total” cooperation from Venezuela’s new interim government, envisioning a future of prosperity for the nation and substantial benefits for the US. While Trump clarified that the US isn’t “at war” with Venezuela, but rather with those who destabilize it through drugs and crime, he didn’t rule out further military action if cooperation falters.
Rubio, offering a slightly more nuanced view, indicated the US won’t micromanage Venezuela day-to-day but will exert influence through economic leverage and the persistent threat of military action. The focus, he stressed, is on the actions of the new leadership. Clearly, Venezuela has entered a pivotal, US-guided new chapter.
