A tweet from VTV Channel 8's official account, originally posted in April 2017, has resurfaced on social media, igniting a flurry of satire and ironic remarks.
The focus of the ridicule: a statement by Delcy Rodríguez that now feels out of step with the times: "I feel happy every morning because I don't have to call Washington to receive orders."
This comment was made on April 27, 2017, during the height of the anti-imperialist rhetoric of Chavismo, when Rodríguez served as Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Fast forward nine years, and the stark difference between that rhetoric and Venezuela's current political landscape has turned the tweet into an object of widespread derision.
Responses were swift and cutting. "She doesn't have to call; they call her," quipped one user. Another noted that communication now happens "via a WhatsApp group."
A third user suggested, "Take a screenshot before it gets deleted," while someone else admitted to visiting the tweet "just to have a quick laugh."
The irony of the viral phenomenon is as striking as it is poignant: Since January 2026, Rodríguez not only converses with Washington but does so with a frequency and warmth unimaginable back when she made her bold declaration.
The Shift from Anti-Imperialist Rhetoric to Engaging with Trump
Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, Rodríguez took on the role of interim president of Venezuela, steering one of the most dramatic diplomatic shifts in recent continental history.
On January 14, 2026, she confirmed having a "long, productive, and courteous" discussion with Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, covering topics like oil, minerals, trade, and security. Trump praised her as a "fantastic" and "extraordinary" individual.
By February 2026, Rodríguez publicly referred to Trump as a "partner and friend," signaling a turning point in bilateral relations. That same month, she hosted the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Christopher Wright, at the Miraflores Palace.
On March 5, 2026, Venezuela and the United States officially reestablished diplomatic ties, severed since 2019. A few weeks later, on April 1, Washington removed Rodríguez from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list.
Direct communication with the White House remained robust. On June 27, 2026, Trump and Rubio personally called Rodríguez to show support following earthquakes in Venezuela.
Meanwhile, both governments finalized energy agreements worth $900 million, and Washington authorized the sale of up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, valued over $500 million.
The contrast between the 2017 Delcy Rodríguez, who boasted of independence from Washington, and the 2026 version working closely with Trump, Rubio, and U.S. cabinet members, is precisely what turned that tweet into a source of unintended humor that internet users are keen to enjoy.
Understanding Delcy Rodríguez's Diplomatic Evolution
Why did Delcy Rodríguez's 2017 statement become a subject of mockery?
Her statement from 2017 about not needing to call Washington was mocked due to the sharp contrast with her later actions in 2026, where she engaged frequently with U.S. officials, including Donald Trump.
What significant diplomatic changes did Rodríguez make in 2026?
In 2026, Rodríguez, as interim president, restored diplomatic relations with the United States, held discussions with Trump, and signed major energy agreements, marking a significant departure from previous anti-U.S. rhetoric.