President Donald Trump has issued a concerning warning to Delcy Rodríguez as she will be sworn in as Venezuela’s president later today.
Last Saturday (January 3), Delta Force commandos stormed Nicolás Maduro's residence in Caracas and arrested both him and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The dramatic operation has sparked a tense standoff with his successor, Rodríguez, who will become the interim president on January 5 after being designated by Venezuela's Supreme Court.
Maduro and His Wife Were Extradited To New York
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were swiftly extradited to New York, where they were processed by the DEA and are expected to appear in court today.
In footage released by the White House, a disoriented Maduro is seen in jail-issued attire, muttering “Good Night, Happy New Year” as he is led through the DEA’s Manhattan office in handcuffs.
Rodríguez, 56, who served as Maduro’s vice president and oil minister, condemned his arrest as an “atrocity” but later expressed hopes for a “balanced and respectful” relationship with the United States, The Guardian reported.
Her comments come amid warnings from the US that any failure to meet American demands could result in significant consequences.
President Donald Trump, speaking to The Atlantic, stated: “If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.”
China Responds to US Intervention
While Rodríguez navigates this turbulent political environment, China has weighed in with a sharp rebuke of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Beijing’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the U.S. military action, calling it a breach of international law and a dangerous act of unilateral aggression.
“We have never believed that any country can act as the world’s police, nor do we accept that any nation can claim to be the world’s judge,” said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasizing that China would continue its support for Caracas regardless of the ongoing political changes.
China also called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss the US actions, scheduled for later today at Colombia’s request.
Trump: "We’re In Charge of Venezuela Now’
As China and other global leaders voice their concerns, President Trump has made it clear that the US considers itself “in charge” of Venezuela following Maduro’s arrest.
Dismissing Rodríguez’s appointment, Trump warned that American forces could return if Venezuela does not comply with U.S. expectations.
In a series of provocative remarks, the 79-year-old also turned his attention to Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico, suggesting that the US could take similar military action against these countries if their governments fail to align with U.S. policies.
He accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of leading a “sick” government involved in drug trafficking and suggested a similar operation could be launched in Colombia.
Trump also declared that Cuba, which heavily relied on Venezuelan oil, was on the brink of collapse, saying: “Cuba now has no income. They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They’re not getting any of it. Cuba literally is ready to fall.”
As for Mexico, the president warned that the country must take stronger action against drug cartels, although he praised President Claudia Sheinbaum for her efforts to fight the issue.