On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Rick Scott issued a stern warning to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, cautioning that she could "meet the same fate as Nicolás Maduro" should she choose to challenge the will of the United States. This warning came after Rodríguez temporarily assumed power following the capture of the Chavista leader on January 3.
"Delcy Rodríguez is not the President of Venezuela; she is merely another corrupt figure of the Maduro regime. She would do well to remember that any move she makes against U.S. interests will result in the same outcome as her former criminal partner, Maduro," Scott declared on his account on X (formerly Twitter).
As a staunch critic of both the Chavista regime and the Cuban government, the Florida Republican's statement was perceived as a direct threat to Rodríguez. She is attempting to maintain control over the Chavista apparatus following Maduro's fall and the arrest of several senior Venezuelan government officials.
Scott's remarks have sparked new political tensions in the U.S., particularly after analyst Ron Filipkowski claimed that President Donald Trump is "backing Rodríguez and not María Corina Machado."
Filipkowski argues that Trump is not truly concerned with the welfare of the Venezuelan people but is rather focused on retaining control over any figure that would secure his strategic interests.
While the White House's decision to support a Chavista figure instead of seeking opposition backing may have been unexpected, diplomatic sources in Washington emphasize that the administration's main goal is to "ensure stability" following the military operation that led to Maduro's capture.
According to these sources, Trump is keen on preventing a power vacuum that could increase the influence of Cuba or Russia in the South American nation.
In Caracas, Delcy Rodríguez has been striving to present an image of institutional continuity, supported by the remnants of the military establishment and international allies like Iran and Bolivia.
Meanwhile, the international community remains divided: the European Union and several Latin American countries have called for free elections, while Cuba has reiterated its "unwavering solidarity" with the Chavista regime.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Relations with Venezuela
What was Rick Scott's warning to Delcy Rodríguez?
Rick Scott warned Delcy Rodríguez that she could face the same consequences as Nicolás Maduro if she defies the interests of the United States.
Why is Delcy Rodríguez temporarily in power?
Delcy Rodríguez temporarily assumed power after the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
What is the international community's response to the situation in Venezuela?
The international community is divided, with the European Union and some Latin American countries calling for free elections, while Cuba continues to express support for the Chavista regime.