Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has publicly challenged Washington’s directives, declaring she has had “enough” of external commands while navigating the nation’s complex political transition. The statement, delivered to oil workers in Puerto La Cruz and broadcast on state television, marks a significant shift in tone from the US-backed interim leader who assumed power following the dramatic capture of former president Nicolás Maduro.
Rodríguez finds herself balancing competing pressures: maintaining support from Maduro loyalists domestically while managing expectations from the Biden administration that facilitated her interim leadership. Her remarks represent the first major pushback against US demands, particularly regarding the resumption of Venezuela’s oil production. “Let Venezuelan politics resolve our differences and our internal conflicts,” she asserted, referencing the nation’s substantial costs from confronting fascism and extremism.
The White House maintained diplomatic distance from Rodríguez’s comments, with President Trump stating he was unaware of her criticisms while emphasizing the countries’ “very good relationship.” This response comes despite Trump’s earlier assertion that the US would “run” Venezuela following Maduro’s capture in a January raid that brought the former leader to face charges in the United States.
In a demonstration of confidence, Rodríguez declared Venezuela does not fear the US while advocating for “respectful relations based on international law and basic human respect.” This delicate positioning reflects her strategy of asserting sovereignty while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington.
Concurrently, Venezuela has undertaken significant confidence-building measures, releasing at least 104 political prisoners on Sunday according to rights group Foro Penal. This brings the total releases to approximately 266 since January 8, when the government promised “significant” releases as a peace gesture. President Trump acknowledged these efforts as a “powerful humanitarian gesture,” while Venezuelan officials indicated openness to a UN verification mission.
The developments occur against the backdrop of Venezuela’s crucial oil industry, which remains central to both its economy and diplomatic relations. With the world’s largest extra-heavy crude reserves compatible with US refineries, Rodríguez is expected to prioritize arrangements with US oil companies despite her recent assertions of independence.