Trump said on Saturday that the United States of America will “take over the leadership of the country until a safe, orderly and reasonable transition of power is ensured.” Although he did not go into specific details, he emphasized that the process will be the result of “joint action”.
The unexpected role of Delcy Rodríguez, the current vice president of Venezuela and one of Maduro’s closest collaborators, draws special attention.
- Legal move: The Supreme Court of Venezuela issued a decision appointing Rodríguez as interim president of the country.
- Behind-the-scenes talks: Trump claims that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already contacted her, and that she has expressed her willingness to meet all of Washington’s demands.
- Public message: Contrary to those claims, Rodríguez appeared on state television with a strong message, calling for Maduro’s release and insisting that he is “the only legitimate president.”
In a surprising twist in US politics, Trump said he had no contact with opposition leader María Corina Machado. He described her as a person who, according to him, does not have enough support or authority within Venezuela to lead the country.
The statement is a heavy blow to the opposition, especially since Machado played a key role in mobilizing support for Edmund González in the 2024 elections, in which available results point to a landslide victory. Machado previously called on González to take over, but Trump’s stance now further complicates the political dynamic.
As the struggle for control of the country rages in Caracas, Nicolás Maduro has made a dramatic journey from the top of the government to a prison cell in the United States.
- Arrest and Evacuation: After the US Special Forces Delta Force operation, Maduro was flown by helicopter to the aircraft carrier USS Iwo Jima, where a photo was taken that Trump later posted on the Truth Social network.
- Transport to the USA: It was transferred to the territory of the United States via Cuba.
- Arrival in New York: Upon landing, he was escorted to the DEA premises in Manhattan, under heavy security, which was caught on camera.
He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, a prison known for housing high-profile detainees.
Maduro is scheduled to appear in court as early as Monday, where he will face charges of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal arms trafficking. Although he has previously rejected claims that he leads a criminal cartel, he will now have to present his defense in a US court.
(Vijesti.ba)
