The United States is aggressively outlining its vision for a post-Nicolás Maduro Venezuela, raising concerns about potential intervention and the long-term stability of the nation. Senator Marco Rubio, speaking to US media on Sunday, confirmed the Trump administration’s focus on orchestrating a “democratic transition” emphasizing the involvement of the entire US national security apparatus in the decision-making process.
Rubio cautioned against expectations of a swift return to normalcy, acknowledging the entrenched nature of the Chavista system, which he stated has been firmly in place for over a decade and a half. This signals a potentially protracted and complex period of political maneuvering.
Perhaps most significantly, Rubio stopped short of definitively ruling out a US military deployment to Venezuela. While not publicly endorsing a full-scale occupation, his comments suggested that President Trump is deliberately maintaining the option of intervention to assert influence over the country’s future. This ambiguity further escalates tensions and fuels speculation about Washington’s intentions.
Rubio dismissed accusations that the recent events surrounding Maduro’s ousting were engineered to facilitate access for US oil companies. While acknowledging the devastation of Venezuela’s oil industry and the need for private investment to revive it, he framed the situation as one of national recovery rather than corporate gain. However, critics are likely to view this response with skepticism given the strategic importance of Venezuelan oil reserves.
The US stance towards interim President Delcy Rodríguez remains conditional, with Rubio stating that her actions will determine Washington’s assessment of her legitimacy. This establishes a clear benchmark for Rodríguez and indicates the United States intends to exert significant pressure on the interim government.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López formally recognized Rodríguez as interim head of state, but simultaneously demanded the immediate return of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, condemning the events as an act of aggression against Venezuela’s sovereignty. His statement underscores the continued support for the ousted president and highlights the deep divisions within the Venezuelan military and political landscape and a clear resistance to external interference. This internal conflict significantly complicates the prospects for a peaceful and genuinely democratic transition within Venezuela.