At a Glance
- Trump warns Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez that she may face a price bigger than Maduro.
- Trump hints at future U.S. military strikes and says the U.S. is ready for a second attack if needed.
- Trump outlines a plan to rebuild Venezuela’s rotted infrastructure and talks about Greenland for defense.
- Why it matters: The U.S. stance signals a potential shift in its approach to Venezuela and its broader geopolitical ambitions.
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, while also outlining a rebuilding strategy and hinting at future U.S. military action. The remarks come amid the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro and a U.S. operation that brought him to the United States.
Trump’s Warning to Rodríguez
In a phone interview with The Atlantic, Trump told Rodríguez that if she does not act correctly, she will pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.
President Trump said:
> “If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.”
President Trump told reporters:
> “We think she was quite gracious, but she really doesn’t have a choice. We’re going to have this done right.”
Delcy Rodríguez said:
> “Maduro is the only president of Venezuela, and I call for his immediate liberation.”
U.S. Military Position
Trump hinted at future U.S. strikes, stating the country is ready for a second, larger attack if necessary.
President Trump said:
> “We’re ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so.”
Rebuilding Venezuela
Trump said the U.S. is rebuilding Venezuela, noting its infrastructure is rotted.
President Trump said:
> “We’re rebuilding Venezuela. We have to rebuild their whole infrastructure. The infrastructure is rotted.”
President Trump said:
> “Rebuilding there and regime change, anything you want to call it, is better than what you have right now.”
Greenland Ambitions
Trump also referenced ambitions to control Greenland, a Danish territory, for defense purposes.
President Trump said:
> “We do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.”
- Katie Miller posted on X about U.S. interest in Greenland.
- Denmark’s ambassador reminded the U.S. of territorial integrity.
- Trump had previously declined to assure no military coercion over Greenland or Panama.
Key Takeaways
- Trump warned Rodríguez that failure to act correctly could cost her more than Maduro.
- He signaled readiness for additional U.S. strikes in Venezuela.
- Trump’s comments extend to potential moves in Greenland and a broader rebuilding agenda.
President Trump’s remarks signal a hardline stance toward Venezuela and hint at broader geopolitical moves, including potential action in Greenland.
