PULSE POINTS
WHAT HAPPENED: Venezuela’s Acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, openly criticized U.S. involvement in the country’s politics during a speech to oil workers.
WHO WAS INVOLVED: Delcy Rodríguez, the Trump administration, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, and the U.S. Department of State.
WHEN & WHERE: Rodríguez made her remarks on Sunday in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, broadcast on state-run Venezolana de Televisión.
KEY QUOTE: “Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela.” – Delcy Rodríguez
IMPACT: The remarks highlight renewed tensions between Caracas and Washington following the capture of ousted dictator Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, as Venezuela remains under U.S. sanctions and reliant on U.S. decisions regarding oil licenses.
IN FULL
Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, formerly ousted dictator Nicolás Maduro’s vice president, appears to be publicly breaking with U.S. President Donald J. Trump, delivering a sharp rebuke of American involvement in Venezuelan politics during a speech to oil workers in Puerto La Cruz on Sunday. Her remarks were broadcast on state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión. “Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” she said, calling for the country to resolve its own internal conflicts.
Rodríguez’s comments come as Venezuela faces U.S. sanctions and remains dependent on American decisions regarding oil licenses. The Trump administration had previously allowed Rodríguez to remain in power on an interim basis, citing Washington’s influence on her decision-making. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated earlier this month, “We obviously have maximum leverage over the interim authorities in Venezuela right now.”
The United States recently announced an arrangement to purchase 30 million to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at market price, with at least one sale valued at $500 million already completed. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s legislature has approved an initial vote to loosen state control over its oil reserves, a move seemingly aimed at encouraging U.S. investment in the industry.
Rodríguez also addressed the Venezuelan opposition on Saturday, calling for “agreements” on the nation’s political future and emphasizing peace over partisan differences. However, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expressed skepticism, labeling Rodríguez “a communist” and a representative of regimes in Russia, China, and Iran.
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