Venezuela’s Interim President Softens Stance Toward Washington After Trump Threat

Caracas/Washington, Jan 5, 2026 — Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has struck a more conciliatory tone toward the United States following threats from President Donald Trump of additional military action after the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a statement cited by Reuters, Rodríguez said her government was prepared to work with Washington “within a framework of cooperation focused on joint development and in line with international law.” The remarks mark a notable shift from her earlier condemnation of the U.S. operation, which she had previously described as illegal.
“Our people and our region want to move forward through peace and dialogue, not war,” Rodríguez said, adding that such an approach was a matter of justice for Venezuelans. While her government had initially characterized Maduro’s detention as a “kidnapping,” Rodríguez now said Caracas hoped for a relationship with the United States based on mutual respect for sovereignty.
Trump, however, warned that Venezuela could face further attacks if it fails to open its oil sector to foreign investment and cooperate with U.S. efforts to curb drug trafficking. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the U.S. president said American oil companies would return to Venezuela to rebuild the country’s petroleum industry, pledging “billions and billions of dollars” in investment.
“We’re just taking back what was stolen,” Trump said. “U.S. oil companies will extract oil from the ground and restore the industry.”
Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he faces charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy. U.S. prosecutors allege that he used state institutions to assist major drug trafficking networks and facilitated cocaine shipments. Maduro has denied all accusations.
The United States has considered Maduro an illegitimate leader since Venezuela’s disputed 2018 presidential election. His arrest and transfer to U.S. custody have drawn international criticism, with several countries and the United Nations questioning the legality of Washington’s actions.
Venezuela has endured years of economic collapse, forcing millions to flee the country. Analysts warn that Maduro’s removal could further destabilize the crisis-hit nation, even as pressure mounts for political transition.