The United States is reportedly pressuring Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, to adopt a series of pro‑American policies. According to Politico, Washington is demanding that Rodríguez crack down on drug trafficking, expel operatives from countries hostile to the U.S. such as Iran and Cuba, and halt oil sales to American adversaries. The administration is also seeking her cooperation on holding free elections and eventually stepping aside, with the expectation that she will be removed from power once she complies.
Rodríguez, a former vice president and close ally of President Nicolás Maduro, was sworn in as interim president after Maduro was taken into U.S. custody during a surprise raid on Caracas. Although she has condemned the United States and vowed that Venezuela would not become a “colony of another empire,” Rodríguez has signaled openness to cooperation with Washington. Sources close to the administration claim they can keep her on a “short leash,” using the threat of further military action, sanctions relief, and access to her financial assets as leverage.
The Trump administration is also pressing for the release of American citizens detained in Venezuela, though it has not demanded the release of all opposition figures. Despite these pressures, the prospects of Rodríguez meeting U.S. demands remain uncertain. One source described the situation as “an unstable pit of vipers,” highlighting the complex and rivalrous nature of Venezuela’s political landscape and the challenges Rodríguez faces in navigating it.
President Donald Trump has publicly declared that the United States will “run” Venezuela until an “orderly transition” can be achieved, warning Rodríguez that she could face severe consequences if she resists U.S. demands. The standoff between the United States and Venezuela continues to be highly volatile, with the international community watching closely to see how events will unfold.
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