On Sunday, Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, expressed dissatisfaction with Washington's interference in the country's affairs, stating that she has had "enough" orders from the United States. She emphasized her efforts to unite the nation after the U.S. arrested former president Nicolás Maduro.
Since Washington recognized Rodríguez as the interim leader of Venezuela, she has had to find a balance between supporting Maduro's followers and seeking approval from the White House.
Almost a month after her appointment, Rodríguez began taking active steps, demanding the U.S. to resume oil production in the country.
“Enough of these directives from Washington regarding Venezuelan politicians,” she said in Puerto La Cruz during an event broadcast on the state television channel Venezolana de Televisión. “We must resolve our internal issues and conflicts ourselves. Our republic has paid a high price, facing the consequences of fascism and extremism.”
Since early January, when Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were arrested and sent to the U.S., pressure from the White House on Venezuela has intensified, and the former president has been charged.
Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro's deputy, emphasizes that the U.S. has no right to govern Venezuela, while avoiding open confrontation with American authorities.
After Maduro's arrest, U.S. President Donald Trump announced intentions to "manage" Venezuela, but later expressed support for Rodríguez as the interim leader of the country.
Aiming for Stability
For 25 years, Venezuela, possessing significant oil reserves, has been in conflict with the U.S. Now, after the overthrow of Maduro, Washington is trying to find a stable partner in Caracas.
Within the country, there is a divide between Maduro's supporters, leftist opposition members, and "Chavistas against Maduro," who reject the current president, accusing him of betraying socialist ideals.
Shortly after the U.S. attacks on Caracas in early January, the Trump administration put forward a series of demands, including severing ties with China, Iran, Russia, and Cuba, as well as exclusive cooperation with the U.S. in oil production, as reported by two senior White House officials.
Rodríguez was expected to prioritize the Trump administration and American oil companies in future oil sale deals.
Oil remains the main driver of the Venezuelan economy. The country has the largest reserves of extra-heavy oil, which requires complex processing but is also suitable for American refineries.
