Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez extended an offer to cooperate with the United States on a “shared development” agenda, signaling a shift in tone following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. This marks a shift in the interim government’s action after criticizing the U.S. right for an unlawful attack to claim the nation’s resources.
Rodriguez, who is seen as the most pragmatic figure within Maduro’s circle, had previously been identified by President Donald Trump as open to collaborating with the United States. Despite this, Rodriguez and other officials had publicly labeled the detentions of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as kidnappings, insisting that Maduro remains Venezuela’s rightful leader.
Trump noted that further action against Venezuela could be taken should the interim government not support U.S. initiatives to liberalize the oil sector and curb narcotics trafficking. He also warned of potential military action in Colombia and Mexico, and commented that Cuba’s communist regime appeared close to collapse.
According to administration officials, Maduro’s capture was presented as a law enforcement operation, grounded in a 2020 indictment on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy. Trump, however, attributed the decision to several motivations, including a rise in Venezuelan migration to the U.S. and the nationalization of American oil assets in Venezuela decades ago.
Maduro faces allegations of facilitating drug networks, including collaboration with major drug trafficking groups. Prosecutors allege he oversaw cocaine export routes, employed the military to secure shipments, harbored trafficking outfits, and utilized presidential properties for drug transit.
The 2020 charges were amended on Saturday to include Flores, who was also detained and stands accused of ordering abductions and assassinations. Maduro has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Legal proceedings are anticipated to take months before reaching trial.
