In a bold message filled with political defiance and personal appeals to faith, Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, addressed escalating tensions with the United States on Tuesday.
"Personally, to those who threaten me, I say: my destiny is determined by no one but God," Rodríguez declared during the inauguration of the Agro-Food, Fishing, Community, and Industrial Command. This statement comes amid a significant increase in U.S. military activity in Caracas and several states, including the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
According to reports from Venezuela News, Rodríguez emphasized that her administration would not be swayed by external pressures, urging the maintenance of state functionality and territorial peace in what she described as a critical situation.
Rodríguez intensified her rhetoric, asserting, "No external agent governs Venezuela," a phrase she reiterated in a televised message covered by CNN en Español.
"We are here, governing alongside the people. The Venezuelan government runs our country, and no one else," she stated, directly countering comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who mentioned that his administration would coordinate a political transition in the South American nation.
Rodríguez condemned what she termed a "terrible military aggression" by Washington and denounced the "illegal kidnapping" of Maduro and Flores, who are currently facing charges in the United States and have pleaded not guilty.
Trump has publicly warned that the interim president could face "a very high price, likely greater than Maduro's," should she refuse to cooperate with U.S. plans.
Despite the confrontational tone, Rodríguez expressed openness to dialogue. In her inaugural address as interim president, she invited the United States to "work together" and advocated for a relationship based on respect, peace, and mutual understanding, rather than conflict, as CNN reported.
Understanding the Tensions Between Venezuela and the U.S.
What prompted Delcy Rodríguez's response to the United States?
Rodríguez's response was triggered by heightened tensions and military actions by the U.S. in Venezuela, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
What did Rodríguez emphasize about Venezuela's governance?
Rodríguez stressed that no external entity governs Venezuela, asserting that the Venezuelan government, along with its people, maintains control over the nation.
How did Rodríguez propose moving forward with the United States?
Despite her firm stance, Rodríguez extended an invitation to the U.S. to collaborate and build a relationship grounded in respect, peace, and mutual understanding.