President Trump says US will run Venezuela, work with VP Rodriguez, and dismisses Nobel winner Machado, as allies distance themselves from the plan
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has outlined a plan for the United States to temporarily manage Venezuela following the capture of its leader, sidelining the democratic opposition.
Trump stated the US would run the country alongside Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, to facilitate a transition.
He also made clear US companies would profit from Venezuela’s vast oil reserves after forces seized leftist leader Nicolas Maduro.
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump told a news conference at his Florida estate.
He indicated the country would be led by “the people that are standing right behind me,” including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US military leaders.
Trump dismissed opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado as a potential successor.
“I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader,” Trump said, claiming she lacks support and respect within Venezuela.
Instead, Trump said Rubio spoke by telephone to Vice President Rodriguez, a stalwart of the Maduro government.
“She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Trump stated.
Rodriguez later addressed the nation, declaring Maduro the only president and demanding his return.
Most US allies quickly distanced themselves from Trump’s approach.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the will of Venezuelans was represented by opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.
Former US diplomat Kevin Whitaker expressed surprise at Trump undercutting Machado.
“This seems to be a case where the Trump administration… is making decisions about the democratic future of Venezuela without referring back to the democratic result,” said Whitaker.
Analyst Iria Puyosa said Rodriguez’s elevation may mean better US ties but not significant change for Venezuelans.
Trump’s Democratic rivals voiced outrage at the involvement of oil companies.
“The United States should not be running other countries for any reason,” said Senator Brian Schatz.
