Florida Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar recently referred to Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, as a "necessary evil for now" during an interview on CBS's Face the Nation. This statement comes just days before Rodríguez is set to meet with President Donald Trump in New York.
Salazar's remarks are unexpected, especially considering her reputation as a staunch critic of the Chávez regime in the U.S. Congress. Previously, she had accused Rodríguez of leading Venezuela's secret police and contributing to the nation's downfall.
On the show, hosted by Margaret Brennan, Salazar explained her pragmatic shift as part of Trump's broader hemispheric strategy. "Trump has forced the bad actors to create a platform for the good actors to step in," she stated.
The Role of Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela's Future
According to Salazar, Rodríguez is crucial in the current phase to stabilize Venezuela and pave the way for democratic transition. "Delcy is just a necessary evil for now to stabilize," she commented bluntly.
Salazar also referenced recent statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding a "recovery and transition" phase in Venezuela. She emphasized that the U.S. is committed to bringing freedom and democracy to its neighbors.
Prospects for Democratic Elections
The congresswoman expressed confidence that the process would eventually lead to fair elections. "I am sure that soon we can establish new and fair elections with international observers, and once again, we will have fulfilled our mission of bringing democracy and freedom to the Western Hemisphere," she asserted.
During the same interview, Salazar disclosed her conversation with President Trump following a controversial video she released last week. In the video, she claimed that his immigration policies had gone "too far" and that many Hispanics felt "betrayed."
Salazar described the exchange with Trump as "fantastic," noting that he was "very courteous" and "very receptive."
Upcoming Meeting Between Trump and Rodríguez
The anticipated meeting between Trump and Rodríguez is scheduled for Tuesday during the UN General Assembly in New York, as confirmed by U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz. It will be a brief and informal encounter—without formal delegations or agenda—and marks the first face-to-face meeting between a U.S. president and a Venezuelan leader in over a decade.
Rodríguez took on the role of interim president of Venezuela on January 5, 2026, shortly after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro. Since then, she has become the primary liaison between the Venezuelan regime and Washington.
Salazar's stance has shifted significantly in recent weeks. At the end of August, she criticized the oil deal between Trump and Venezuela—hailed by Trump as the largest in history, involving 65,000 million barrels of proven reserves—and labeled Rodríguez as "the wrong person to make this deal," though she later moderated her position.
In May 2026, Salazar had directly warned Rodríguez against attempting to deceive Trump, a stance markedly different from her recent comments.
The White House confirmed the Trump-Rodríguez meeting last Friday, setting the stage for Salazar's comments on Face the Nation.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S.-Venezuela Relations
Why is Delcy Rodríguez considered a "necessary evil" by María Elvira Salazar?
Salazar views Rodríguez as crucial in stabilizing Venezuela and facilitating a democratic transition, despite her previous criticisms of Rodríguez's role in the Venezuelan government.
What is the significance of the meeting between Donald Trump and Delcy Rodríguez?
The meeting represents the first face-to-face encounter between a U.S. president and a Venezuelan leader in over eleven years, signaling potential shifts in diplomatic relations.
How has María Elvira Salazar's perspective on the Trump administration's dealings with Venezuela evolved?
Initially critical of the oil agreement and Rodríguez's involvement, Salazar has shifted to a more pragmatic approach, aligning with Trump's strategy to enable a democratic transition in Venezuela.