Trump Issues Stern Warning to Venezuela's New President Amidst Political Turmoil

Tue Jan 06 2026 04:59:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of Nicolás Maduro's court appearance in New York, former President Donald Trump cautions Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's newly sworn-in leader, of dire consequences if she fails to act correctly. The political landscape in Venezuela faces uncertainty as Trump claims U.S. military operations are not an act of war.

After the dramatic arrest of Nicolás Maduro in the U.S. for drug trafficking, Donald Trump warns newly appointed Venezuelan president Delcy Rodríguez of severe repercussions if she does not shift from the current regime's approach. The U.S. maintains its military operations are a law enforcement action against drug trafficking, not a declaration of war, while international reactions vary from support to condemnation of U.S. actions.

Donald Trump has warned Venezuela's new leader Delcy Rodríguez she could pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro if she doesn't do what's right.

His comments to US magazine The Atlantic came as the country's deposed president Nicolás Maduro was set to appear in a New York court on Monday.

The US accuses Maduro, who is charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences, of running a narco-terrorist regime, a claim he denies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted the US is not at war with Venezuela, after air strikes in Caracas led to Maduro and his wife being taken into custody and transported to the US.

Some Democratic lawmakers said the operation was an act of war.

In an interview with The Atlantic on Sunday, Trump stated of Rodríguez: If she doesn't do what's right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro. He added that for Venezuela, Regime change, anything you want to call it, is better than what you have right now. Can't get any worse.

On Saturday, Trump vowed the US would run the country until a safe and proper and judicious transition was possible, ensuring infrastructure improvement and financial benefits through US oil companies.

Despite Trump’s assertions, Maduro’s allies remain in charge, with Cuba mourning the loss of its military personnel during the US operation that resulted in Maduro and his wife’s arrest.

Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, is widely viewed as having illegitimately won the country's last election and has been accused of oppressive tactics against opposition forces.

The capture was part of a dramatic special forces operation early Saturday that involved striking military bases in Venezuela. Maduro and his wife are now charged with weapon and drug offences in the U.S.

During the military action, while U.S. officials stated there were no American casualties, Venezuela's Defence Minister claimed that many of Maduro’s security team and soldiers were killed.

Rubio also defended the military operation, suggesting it was necessary due to the ongoing drug trafficking issues in Venezuela, and not an invasion.

This operation and the subsequent takeover by Rodríguez could spark a highly controversial and tense political situation in the region, with various countries expressing concerns about the legality and ramifications of U.S. actions in Venezuela.

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