U.S. threatens Venezuela’s acting president as Maduro awaits Monday hearing

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez that she could face severe consequences if she refuses to cooperate with the United States, following the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces and his transfer to New York to face drug charges. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said Washington is keeping all options open regarding Venezuela’s future leadership and did not rule out a possible U.S. military presence.

After the operation, Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Rodriguez as acting president. She condemned the U.S. action as an attack on the country’s sovereignty and demanded the release of Maduro and his wife. Venezuela’s military strongly denounced the U.S. raid, accusing American forces of killing security personnel and civilians, and declared full operational readiness nationwide under a state of emergency.

The United States said its actions were aimed at stopping drug trafficking and gang activity, while continuing a broader anti-narcotics military campaign in the region. International reactions were largely critical, with several countries condemning the use of force against Venezuela. Protests also took place abroad, including outside the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, where demonstrators voiced support for Venezuela’s sovereignty and warned against foreign intervention.

Credit : CGTN