After the removal of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. special forces, the Trump administration is signaling it may use intimidation to compel Venezuela’s interim leadership to cooperate. Trump said further military action remains an option if the new government, led by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, does not align with U.S. demands. Advisers believe Rodriguez, a technocrat with deep oil-sector experience, could be persuaded to work with Washington on political transition and access to Venezuela’s damaged oil infrastructure, even as she publicly rejects U.S. pressure.
Why It Matters
The strategy underscores a sharp turn toward coercive diplomacy, raising questions about U.S. respect for sovereignty and the long-term stability of Venezuela. By keeping the threat of additional strikes alive, Washington hopes to avoid deploying ground troops while still shaping Venezuela’s political and economic future. Critics warn the approach risks backlash at home and abroad, fuels accusations of neocolonialism, and could entrench resentment among Venezuelan elites rather than produce genuine reform.
The Trump administration is testing the limits of military pressure without congressional or public backing for a prolonged intervention. Venezuela’s interim leadership faces intense pressure as it balances defiance with the risk of further strikes. Key powerbrokers such as Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello remain potential spoilers due to their control of the military and intelligence services. U.S. lawmakers, oil companies, regional governments, and Venezuela’s sidelined opposition all have stakes in how events unfold.
What Next
Washington is expected to maintain a military buildup off Venezuela’s coast while enforcing restrictions on oil exports to sustain leverage. Behind-the-scenes talks, possibly involving offers of amnesty or exile, may test whether elements of the Venezuelan leadership are willing to cooperate. Domestic opposition in the U.S. Congress could yet constrain further action, leaving Trump’s ambition to exert control over post-Maduro Venezuela dependent on intimidation rather than a clear political roadmap.
With information from Reuters.
