American pressure on Venezuela continues unabated, even amidst the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran overseas. Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s acting president, is facing the challenge of meeting the demands of the Trump administration while striving to maintain American support following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro over two months ago. Despite the U.S.’s involvement in the Middle East conflict, Venezuela remains a key focus for the administration.
Imdat Oner, a senior fellow at Florida International University and former Turkish diplomat in Caracas, highlighted the significant influence of the Trump administration on Rodríguez, emphasizing that she is under pressure to comply with U.S. directives. President Donald Trump expressed his belief that the strategy employed in Venezuela, which led to Maduro’s replacement by an internal candidate, could serve as a model for Iran.
Rodríguez’s alignment with U.S. demands has resulted in a favorable reception from Washington, with high-ranking American officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, U.S. Energy Minister Chris Wright, and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, engaging in discussions to advance American interests in Venezuela. Despite the initial compliance, Rodríguez recently appealed to Trump to lift sanctions imposed on Venezuela, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the Venezuelan people.
The Trump administration’s control over Venezuela’s oil and mining sectors has been evident since Maduro’s removal, with U.S. officials actively involved in shaping policies in these industries. While Rodríguez has demonstrated compliance with U.S. demands, concerns persist regarding the extent of U.S. influence and its implications for Venezuela’s sovereignty.
The year has been tumultuous for Venezuela, marked by U.S. military presence in the region and the seizure of oil tankers. The forcible removal of Maduro from power and subsequent criminal charges against him and his wife have further heightened tensions. Despite the shift in leadership, Rodríguez’s position remains tenuous, contingent on maintaining Trump’s approval amid the prospect of upcoming elections.
The Trump administration’s backing of Rodríguez over opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, underscores the complex dynamics at play in Venezuelan politics. Gunson highlighted the irony of Trump’s support for Rodríguez, even after Machado presented him with her Nobel Prize medal.