On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, stating that she would face "severe consequences" should she choose not to collaborate with the United States.
In a phone interview with The Atlantic, Trump declared that Rodríguez's failure to act appropriately would result in repercussions "far worse than what Maduro faced."
Trump further expressed his willingness to support a regime change in Venezuela, stating, "The reconstruction and regime change there, whatever you want to call it, is preferable to the current situation. It can't get any worse."
On Saturday, Trump revealed that his administration plans to oversee Venezuela and its oil revenues following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, with Delcy Rodríguez leading a transitional government under conditions set by Washington.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump mentioned that the U.S. would maintain control over the nation "until a fair democratic transition occurs," citing Venezuela's "deteriorated" infrastructure and indicating that oil resources would be managed to benefit both the Venezuelan people and the U.S. as compensation for past expropriations.
"We will run this country properly and ensure the Venezuelan populace is well taken care of," Trump stated, leaving open the possibility of military intervention if Chavista factions attempted to reclaim power.
Edmundo González Advocates for Democratic Transition
In response to what appears to be Trump and Marco Rubio's plan for Venezuela, president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia called for the release of political prisoners and respect for the "will of the Venezuelan people."
Posting on social media, González urged a democratic transition in Venezuela, emphasizing that "true normalization will only be possible when all political prisoners are freed and the majority will expressed on July 28, 2024, is respected without question." He insisted that only under these conditions could a serious and responsible democratic transition commence.
González highlighted that the removal of those who usurped power and their subjection to justice creates a new scenario but does not replace the critical tasks ahead, including the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians and military personnel detained for political reasons.
He asserted that his legitimacy is derived from the popular mandate and the support of Venezuelans, emphasizing that "the transition must be built with responsibility, determination, and national unity."
Delcy Rodríguez Secures Military Support
Meanwhile, on Sunday morning, Venezuela's military forces demonstrated their support for Delcy Rodríguez's appointment as interim president.
In a statement broadcasted on national television, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López confirmed their backing of the "Decree of State of External Shock across the national territory," and affirmed their commitment to "military defense, maintaining internal order, and peace."
Padrino López accused the U.S. of "cold-bloodedly" killing much of the security team of the ousted president Nicolás Maduro, declaring that the military would employ "all available capabilities to defend the nation" and activate "complete operational readiness" in conjunction with popular and military police unity to counter "imperial aggression."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political Situation in Venezuela
What actions has Trump taken concerning Venezuela's oil?
Trump has announced plans for the U.S. to manage Venezuela's oil revenues, ensuring they are used to benefit Venezuelans and compensate the U.S. for previous expropriations.
How has Edmundo González responded to U.S. plans for Venezuela?
Edmundo González has called for the release of political prisoners and emphasized the need for a democratic transition respecting the will of the Venezuelan people.
What stance have the Venezuelan military forces taken?
Venezuelan military forces have endorsed Delcy Rodríguez's role as interim president and pledged to maintain defense and order against external threats.