Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez defies U.S. pressure after Maduro’s capture

By Rachid Bugirimfura.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has issued her strongest rebuke yet of the United States, saying she has had “enough” of pressure and directives from Washington following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.

Speaking to oil workers in the eastern state of Anzoátegui, Rodríguez struck a defiant tone as tensions between Caracas and Washington remain high in the aftermath of the U.S. military operation that led to Maduro’s arrest.

“Enough orders from Washington on politicians in Venezuela,” Rodríguez said, according to Agence France-Presse. “Let Venezuelan politics resolve our differences and internal conflicts. Enough of foreign powers.”

Her remarks come amid intensified U.S. pressure on Venezuela since the January 3 operation in which American forces carried out strikes in Caracas and forcibly removed Maduro and his wife.

The incident marked an unprecedented escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs and has triggered political uncertainty across the country.

Rodríguez said her government would address long-standing disputes with Washington “face to face” through diplomacy rooted in Venezuela’s Bolivarian principles, according to state media cited by Xinhua. She stressed that national unity and internal dialogue were essential to restoring stability.

“We are not afraid, because what must unite us as a people is guaranteeing peace and stability for this country,” she said.

The interim president said Venezuela had never imagined that a South American capital would be subjected to a direct military attack by a foreign power, describing the events in Caracas as a turning point for the country’s sovereignty.

Rodríguez has also renewed calls for domestic political dialogue, urging Venezuelans to resolve internal differences without foreign interference. Earlier on Saturday, she appealed for talks with opposition groups to reach agreements necessary for peace, three weeks after the U.S.-led ouster of her predecessor.

“There can be no political or partisan differences when it comes to peace in Venezuela,” Rodríguez said in a televised address from the coastal state of La Guaira. “Despite our differences, we must speak to each other with respect. Despite our differences, we must come together and reach agreements.”

Her comments highlight the political and diplomatic challenges facing the interim government as it seeks to consolidate authority, navigate relations with Washington and heal deep divisions at home following Maduro’s removal.