Trump Issues Stark Warning to Venezuela’s New Leader

President Trump is warning Venezuela’s new leader that she could face consequences more severe than those imposed on Nicolás Maduro, the country’s ousted former leader who is now being held in a New York jail following a U.S. military raid on Caracas.

In a phone interview from his golf club in West Palm Beach, Trump told The Atlantic that Delcy Rodríguez “is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro” if she refuses to cooperate with Washington after the operation that removed Maduro from power. Trump criticized Rodríguez’s public rejection of U.S. involvement, as well as her pledge to defend Venezuela’s resources and push for Maduro’s return, comments that have raised concerns about a prolonged conflict and the possibility of deeper U.S. military engagement. Late Sunday, however, the Associated Press reported that Rodríguez made “newly conciliatory” remarks inviting Trump to “collaborate.”

Trump has indicated he is prepared to authorize additional military action if necessary. “If they don’t behave, we will do a second strike,” he said Sunday. “We’re in charge.” The remarks represent a shift from his earlier statements suggesting Rodríguez had privately expressed a willingness to work with the United States while it temporarily oversees Venezuela. They also mark a departure from his campaign pledges to avoid regime change and nation-building.

When asked how the situation in Venezuela differs from the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Trump said he was not responsible for that war. “I didn’t do Iraq. That was Bush,” he said, adding that the invasion “started the Middle East disaster.” Trump argued that rebuilding Venezuela is justified, saying the country “has gone to hell” and describing it as a failed state.

Trump also suggested that Venezuela may not be the last focus of U.S. strategic ambitions, again raising the idea that the United States “needs” Greenland for defense purposes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged other nations to view the Venezuela operation as proof that Trump is willing to follow through on such warnings. When pressed specifically about Greenland, Trump said decisions would ultimately rest with others. “They are going to have to view it themselves. I really don’t know,” he said.

Separately, speaking aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington, Trump issued warnings toward Cuba and Colombia, according to Politico. He said Cuba appears close to collapse and questioned whether its government can remain in power. Of Colombia, Trump claimed the country is “run by a sick man” involved in cocaine trafficking to the United States and suggested that situation would not continue for long. Asked about the possibility of a U.S. operation there, Trump said the idea “sounds good,” the Associated Press reported.

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