Trump demands Venezuela’s interim leader adopt pro-American measures

(MENAFN) The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly pressing Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, to carry out a set of policies aligned with American interests, while simultaneously anticipating her eventual removal once those demands are met, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter.

Rodriguez, formerly vice president and a close ally of President Nicolas Maduro, assumed the interim presidency after Maduro was kidnapped by US forces during an unprecedented military operation in Caracas. Although she publicly condemned Washington’s actions and declared that Venezuela “will never return to being the colony of another empire,” she has also indicated a willingness to pursue “cooperation” with the United States.

Reports say US officials want Rodriguez to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, remove Iranian, Cuban, and other foreign operatives viewed as hostile to Washington, and end oil exports to countries considered US adversaries. Officials are also said to expect her to organize free elections and ultimately step down, though no clear timeline has reportedly been established.

One individual described as close to the US administration said Rodriguez was being kept on a “short leash,” claiming the Trump team was “confident they can whip her in whatever direction they want before they dispose of her and move on.”

In addition to the implicit threat of a second military intervention, Washington is said to view potential sanctions relief and access to Rodriguez’s financial assets as key tools of pressure. However, sources familiar with the discussions indicated there are currently no concrete plans to lift sanctions or deliver substantial humanitarian assistance.

The US is also reportedly seeking the release of American citizens detained in Venezuela. At the same time, people briefed on the issue said Washington has not insisted on freeing all Venezuelan opposition figures being held.

Despite these pressures, expectations that Rodriguez will comply appear limited. Internal rivalries among senior Venezuelan officials are seen as a major obstacle, with one source characterizing the political environment as “an unstable pit of vipers.”

Trump has openly stated that Washington intends to “run” Venezuela until an “orderly transition” is achieved, while warning that Rodriguez could face an even “bigger price” than Maduro if she refuses to meet US demands.

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