Trump warns Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez of “bigger price” if US demands are ignored

US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez, saying she could face consequences “probably bigger than Maduro” if she fails to comply with US expectations.

Speaking in an interview with The Atlantic, Trump said Washington was closely monitoring Venezuela’s new leadership following the removal of former president Nicolas Maduro, signalling that further action remains possible.

Warning of escalation if cooperation falters

Trump said the United States was prepared to take additional steps if Rodriguez does not align with US demands.

<u>“If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price,”</u> Trump said, adding that a second strike on Venezuela was not off the table.

He claimed US forces were already prepared for another phase of action but suggested it may not be necessary if cooperation is forthcoming. Trump also said elections would be held “at the right time”.

Focus on oil and natural resources

The US President made it clear that energy access is central to Washington’s position.

“The US needs full access to oil and other resources in Venezuela,” Trump said, linking future stability to control and availability of the country’s vast energy reserves.

Rodriguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018, had overseen Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy and its intelligence apparatus, placing her next in the line of succession before recent developments.

While Trump initially praised Rodriguez after US troops captured Maduro and his wife in Caracas, she later stated that Venezuela would defend its natural resources, indicating potential friction with Washington.

Trump defends Maduro’s removal

Trump defended the decision to remove Maduro by force, describing regime change as preferable to the status quo.

According to Trump, “rebuilding there and regime change… is better than what you have right now,” adding that conditions in Venezuela “can’t get any worse.”

The remarks underscore Washington’s view that intervention was justified on governance and economic grounds.

Broader warnings to the region

Trump also expanded his comments beyond Venezuela, issuing blunt warnings about other countries in the region.

He reiterated US interest in Greenland, saying “We do need Greenland, absolutely,” despite it being part of Denmark, a NATO ally.

On the Caribbean, Trump claimed “Cuba is ready to fall”, arguing that Havana would struggle without subsidised Venezuelan oil. He added that no immediate action may be needed as the situation appeared to be deteriorating on its own.

Sharp remarks on Colombia and Mexico

Trump issued particularly aggressive comments about Colombia and Mexico.

He claimed Colombia is governed by “a sick man”, suggesting leadership change was imminent and stating that “Operation Colombia sounds good”.

On Mexico, Trump said the country must “get their act together”, warning that failure to do so could trigger broader regional consequences, including renewed action linked to Venezuela.

Why this matters now

The comments mark a significant escalation in US rhetoric, raising alarms about <u>military intervention, sovereignty, and control of energy resources</u>.

Analysts warn that such statements could destabilise diplomatic ties, impact global oil markets, and heighten security risks across Latin America.

For international observers, the remarks signal a more assertive US posture that could reshape regional alliances and trigger unpredictable responses.