Venezuela’s de facto leader, Delcy Rodríguez, has publicly rejected a meme posted by former U.S. President Donald Trump that referred to him as the “acting president” of the country. In a state broadcast from the port city of Catia La Mar, Rodríguez reaffirmed her authority and criticized perceived attempts to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty. This declaration comes in the wake of ongoing political instability following the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2023.
During the broadcast, Rodríguez expressed indignation at Trump’s characterization, stating, “I’ve seen cartoons on Wikipedia about who’s in charge in Venezuela. Well, there is a government in charge in Venezuela. There is an acting president and there is a president held hostage in the United States.” She emphasized that the Venezuelan government remains committed to working alongside its citizens and advancing its international relations based on respect and legal frameworks.
Rodríguez’s remarks were a direct response to what she termed desperate attempts to distort political realities in Venezuela. According to Telesur, she criticized the dissemination of content that positions Trump as the authority over Venezuelan affairs. “These actions seek to ignore the political reality and the sovereign will that governs Venezuelan territory,” she stated.
In her address, Rodríguez asserted that the Venezuelan nation is resolute in its pursuit of freedom against foreign attacks, particularly from the U.S. government. “We are defending the rights of our beloved homeland against the illegal attacks of the U.S. government,” she declared. Her comments highlight the ongoing tensions between Venezuela and the United States, especially in light of recent developments regarding Maduro.
Despite Rodríguez’s strong public statements, Trump has indicated that Rodríguez is in communication with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This contradiction raises questions about the dynamics between the Venezuelan leadership and the U.S. administration.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments. As the country grapples with its leadership crisis, the implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy in Latin America continue to unfold.
