Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez asserted on Thursday that her administration does not fear a diplomatic confrontation with the United States, the nation responsible for the military operation that removed her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro.
“We know they are very powerful. We know they are a lethal nuclear power… We are not afraid to confront them diplomatically, through political dialogue,” stated Rodríguez.
Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president and staunch ally, has been recognised by US President Donald Trump, contingent on her government aligning with Washington’s key interests, notably regarding Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.
With Maduro absent, Rodríguez presented the state of the nation address to parliament, receiving robust applause from legislators.
During her speech, she informed lawmakers that she had requested Washington demonstrate “respect for the dignity” of Maduro, who is indicted in the US on narcotics trafficking allegations.
The interim leader held a telephone discussion with Trump on Wednesday, whom she later described as having a “productive and courteous” exchange marked by “mutual respect.”
Trump subsequently praised Rodríguez on social media, calling her “a terrific person” and stating they discussed “many topics,” including oil, minerals, trade and national security. “We are making tremendous progress,” the Republican president added.
Rodríguez faces a delicate balancing act, striving to comply with Trump’s demands while maintaining support from Maduro loyalists who still command the country’s security apparatus and powerful paramilitary groups.
Striking a defiant tone, Rodríguez declared that if required to travel to Washington as interim head of state, “I will go standing, walking, not dragged.” The remark appeared to reference the arrest of Maduro and his wife, who were taken into US custody to face trial.
President Trump, who has largely sidelined Venezuela’s political opposition until now, held talks on Thursday with opposition figure María Corina Machado.
White House characterised the meeting as “positive.” Machado is widely believed to have secured victory in the July 2024 presidential election.
