Trump Warns Venezuela’s New Leader as Maduro Faces US Court

Washington/Caracas, Jan 5, 2026 — US President Donald Trump has warned Venezuela’s incoming leader Delcy Rodríguez that she could face consequences “even bigger than Maduro” if she fails to comply with Washington’s demands, as the country’s deposed president Nicolás Maduro prepares to appear in a New York court.
Speaking to The Atlantic, Trump said Rodríguez would “pay a very big price” if she does not “do what’s right,” signalling continued US pressure despite Maduro’s removal from power. Maduro, who was captured in a dramatic US special forces operation over the weekend, has been charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences—allegations he strongly denies.
Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro ally and former vice president, struck a conciliatory tone at her first cabinet meeting on Sunday, offering cooperation with the United States within the framework of international law. Backed by Venezuela’s Supreme Court and the military, she is set to be sworn in as president in Caracas on Monday morning.
The US government insists it is not at war with Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as a “law enforcement action” targeting drug trafficking networks, not a military invasion. However, several Democratic lawmakers have condemned the action as an “act of war” carried out without congressional approval.
Trump has defended the intervention, saying the US would oversee Venezuela until a “safe and proper transition” is achieved, while also promising that American oil companies would help rebuild the country’s energy infrastructure.
Regional governments, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Spain, have warned that the US action sets a dangerous precedent for international law and regional security. Meanwhile, Cuba announced national mourning after claiming dozens of its fighters were killed during the operation.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are expected to appear before a US court on Monday, marking an unprecedented moment in US–Latin American relations and raising fresh questions about sovereignty, intervention, and the future of Venezuela’s leadership.