Venezuela’s political crisis entered a new and uncertain phase on Sunday as Delcy Rodríguez, sworn in as acting president by the country’s Supreme Court, publicly invited the United States to pursue cooperation instead of conflict. Her remarks marked a notable departure from the fiery resistance Caracas displayed just days earlier, after the US confirmed the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
The outreach comes amid rising global attention, volatile markets, and sharply divided reactions both inside Venezuela and abroad.
Delcy Rodríguez breaks the silence with a shocking offer to Trump
In her first major public statement since assuming the interim role, Rodríguez used social media to address the international community directly, with a specific appeal to Washington. She emphasized peace, sovereignty, and coexistence, framing Venezuela as a nation seeking stability rather than confrontation.
Her language was measured and conciliatory, stressing respect for international law and shared development. The tone contrasted sharply with the rhetoric that followed the US operation, which Venezuelan officials had earlier described as an “armed aggression” and an “atrocity.”
Political analysts see this shift as strategic. With Maduro now in US custody, Rodríguez appears to be attempting to stabilize the situation domestically while preventing further foreign intervention.
Despite her call for dialogue, Rodríguez did not distance herself from Maduro entirely. She reiterated that the former president’s long-standing message was also one of peace, subtly signaling continuity to Maduro loyalists while extending an olive branch to Washington.
This balancing act reflects the tightrope she must walk. While the US has previously hinted that Rodríguez could be acceptable in a post-Maduro transition, her legitimacy inside Venezuela depends heavily on maintaining unity within the ruling PSUV party.
Donald Trump’s hard line and demands
US President Donald Trump, however, has shown little sign of softening his stance. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump declared that the US is now “in charge” of Venezuela and vowed to “run it” until the country is “fixed.”
He has also warned Rodríguez of severe consequences if she fails to comply with US demands. According to multiple reports, those demands include full access to Venezuela’s oil sector, infrastructure, and key state operations. Trump framed this as necessary to rebuild the country, but critics argue it reinforces fears of economic exploitation.
The US president has also hinted at further military action if cooperation stalls, keeping pressure firmly on Caracas.
At the heart of the standoff lies Venezuela’s vast oil wealth. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Washington does not plan to directly govern the country, but confirmed the continuation of an “oil quarantine,” effectively tightening sanctions and naval restrictions on exports.
Oil accounts for the bulk of Venezuela’s revenue, and prolonged restrictions could deepen the humanitarian and economic crisis. Energy experts warn that sustained pressure may push Venezuela closer to alternative allies while further destabilizing global oil markets.
Inside Venezuela, cracks are beginning to show. An audio message attributed to PSUV lawmaker Maduro Guerra hinted at betrayal within the ruling movement, suggesting that internal divisions may have played a role in recent events. While he insisted the party remains united, his remarks fueled speculation of infighting at the highest levels of power.
Caracas itself was unusually quiet over the weekend. Businesses remained closed, traffic was sparse, and daily life appeared frozen as citizens awaited clarity on what comes next.
Nicolás Maduro faces US justice
Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, remain detained in the US and are scheduled to appear before a federal court in New York. Prosecutors have revived and expanded charges dating back to 2020, accusing the former president of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking conspiracies.
The US Justice Department has described Maduro’s administration as illegitimate and criminal, reinforcing Washington’s long-standing refusal to recognize him as Venezuela’s leader.
What comes next for Venezuela
Rodríguez’s appeal for cooperation may signal the beginning of a diplomatic reset, or simply a pause before further escalation. Much depends on whether dialogue can replace threats, and whether Venezuela’s fragile political structure can withstand mounting external and internal pressure.
For now, the world is watching closely. Venezuela stands at a crossroads, caught between promises of peace and the reality of power politics, with its future hanging in the balance.
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