Venezuela’s Acting President Pushes Back on U.S. Pressure After Maduro Capture

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez is pushing back against mounting pressure from Washington, saying she has had “enough” of U.S. orders as she works to stabilize the country following the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking to oil workers in Puerto La Cruz, Rodríguez said Venezuela must resolve its own internal conflicts, emphasizing that the nation has already paid a heavy price amid years of political turmoil. Her remarks come nearly a month into her interim leadership, a role she assumed after being backed by the United States following Maduro’s arrest and transfer to U.S. custody.

Since then, the Trump administration has outlined a series of demands, including restarting oil production, cutting ties with countries such as China, Iran, Russia and Cuba, and prioritizing U.S. companies in future energy partnerships. Venezuela holds the world’s largest reserves of extra-heavy crude, making its oil sector a central focus of negotiations.

While Rodríguez has insisted the U.S. does not govern Venezuela, she has also avoided direct confrontation with Washington. President Donald Trump has publicly praised Rodríguez and said relations between the two countries were progressing positively.

Internally, Rodríguez faces a divided political landscape, with fractures among Maduro loyalists, left-wing critics, and Chávez-era supporters who reject Maduro’s leadership. Venezuela’s opposition is also watching closely, as discussions continue about their potential role in the country’s future governance.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has pressed for the release of political prisoners. Over the weekend, at least 104 detainees were freed, according to rights group Foro Penal, bringing the total number of recent releases to at least 266. Venezuelan officials say hundreds more have been released since December as part of a broader effort aimed at easing tensions.

Rodríguez has said Venezuela is open to international verification of the releases, even as questions remain about the full scope of detainees still being held.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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