President Donald Trump on Monday brushed aside remarks from acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez suggesting that former leader Nicolás Maduro remains in charge of the country, signaling confidence in his administration’s approach following Maduro’s arrest by U.S. authorities last month.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed the significance of Rodríguez’s comments.
“I think we have a great relationship,” Trump said. “I think she probably has to say that. I think, politically, maybe she has to say that.”
Rodríguez stated last week that Maduro remains Venezuela’s legitimate president, despite his capture and arrest. Appearing on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” she told host Kristen Welker that Maduro continues to hold lawful authority.
“Yes, I can tell you that President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president. I can, I will tell you this as the lawyer that I am. They are both, President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent,” Rodríguez said.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty last month to drug-trafficking and weapons-related charges. Federal prosecutors allege that the pair helped funnel narcotics into the United States, enriching themselves and members of their inner circle in the process.
Since Maduro’s capture, the Trump administration has moved swiftly to explore opportunities within Venezuela’s oil industry. The South American nation holds the largest known oil reserves in the world, making it a significant player in global energy markets.
While major U.S. oil companies have expressed uncertainty about conducting business in Venezuela amid the political and legal turmoil, Energy Secretary Chris Wright offered a more optimistic assessment. Speaking on “Meet the Press” Sunday, Wright said Rodríguez has “made enormous positive changes” to the country’s petroleum policies.
“We’ve been dealing with Delcy for five weeks now. It’s been an amazing cooperation. She’s delivered information,” Wright said, suggesting ongoing engagement between U.S. officials and Venezuelan leadership.
The situation has not been without controversy. Legal experts have criticized the military action that led to Maduro’s capture, arguing it contravened the United Nations charter. Democratic lawmakers have also pushed back strongly, claiming the president violated the Constitution by failing to notify Congress in advance of the operation.
Despite the criticism, Trump appeared unfazed, emphasizing what he described as a strong working relationship and downplaying Rodríguez’s public defense of Maduro. His comments suggest the administration views her statements as politically motivated rather than indicative of a breakdown in relations.
The developments mark a significant chapter in U.S.-Venezuela relations, as the administration balances legal proceedings against a former foreign leader with broader strategic interests in the region — including access to vast energy resources.
For now, Trump is signaling confidence in both the legal case against Maduro and the diplomatic track with Rodríguez, even as critics continue to raise questions about the operation and its international implications.
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