Washington, DC – In remarks that sparked widespread debate about the nature of US influence in Latin America, US President Donald Trump declared that his country is effectively “running the show” in Venezuela. He also expressed his openness to a formal meeting with Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Trump: “We are in charge.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump offered a vague and provocative answer when asked who was truly in charge in Caracas. He said, “Don’t ask me who’s in charge because I’ll give you an answer that’s going to be very controversial… It means that we (the United States) are running things in Venezuela.”
The relationship with the interim leadership
Trump indicated that his administration is working “very well” with the new interim leadership. This leadership assumed power following the US military operation that resulted in the abduction of former President Nicolás Maduro. When asked about the possibility of meeting with Delcy Rodríguez (who served as Maduro’s vice president before he became acting president), Trump replied, “At some point, I will.”
Background to developments in Venezuela
These statements come amid an exceptional situation in Venezuela. Rodríguez assumed leadership following a US military operation aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro, an operation that resulted in fatalities and a radical shift in the power structure. Trump asserted that Washington is dealing with “people who have just been sworn in,” referring to the interim government in Caracas.
Implications of the American position
Trump’s remarks reflect the imposition of a new political reality in Venezuela under direct American supervision. The White House is no longer content with merely recognizing the opposition; it is now openly discussing managing the country’s affairs after the removal of the previous regime through an “external” process.
