Trump has made things very clear.
President Donald Trump issued a strong warning Sunday to Venezuela’s newly installed leadership, signaling that the United States will not tolerate continued instability or defiance following the removal of longtime socialist ruler Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking by phone with The Atlantic, Trump said Venezuela’s new power broker, Delcy Rodríguez, could face severe consequences if she fails to cooperate with international efforts to restore order and accountability.
Trump warned that failing to cooperate would bring serious consequences, suggesting the fallout could be even more severe than what Maduro now faces.
The remarks come as Venezuela remains in turmoil following the indictment of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on U.S. drug trafficking charges. The couple was transported to New York to face justice, marking a dramatic turning point in U.S.–Venezuela relations.
Rodríguez, who has been a central figure in Venezuela’s socialist government for years, delivered a defiant televised address just hours after Maduro’s removal. In the speech, she rejected the legitimacy of the transition and insisted that Maduro remains the country’s rightful leader.
During the broadcast, Rodríguez insisted that Venezuela has a single legitimate leader, naming Nicolás Maduro Moros.
Trump’s tone on Sunday appeared tougher than comments made just a day earlier. During a Saturday press conference, Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken directly with Rodríguez, describing her initial posture as cooperative—but not optional.
“She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary,” Trump told reporters, adding that Rodríguez ultimately does not have “a choice” if Venezuela hopes to move forward.
Rodríguez, 56, has served as vice president since 2018 and previously held the role of foreign minister, making her one of the most powerful figures remaining from the Maduro era.
Meanwhile, Rubio made clear that the Trump administration does not recognize Venezuela’s current leadership as legitimate. Appearing on ABC’s This Week, he said the United States rejects the claim that the existing regime represents the will of the Venezuelan people.
“We don’t believe this regime came to power through a legitimate election,” Rubio said.
For many Americans—especially those concerned about border security, the international drug trade, and U.S. leadership abroad—the situation in Venezuela has become a critical test of American resolve. The Trump administration has made clear that it intends to protect U.S. interests and hold foreign regimes accountable.