Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has publicly pushed back against US influence, saying she has “enough” of Washington’s orders. Rodríguez made the remarks on Sunday while addressing oil workers in Puerto La Cruz, emphasizing that Venezuela must resolve its political issues internally.
Rodríguez assumed leadership after the US-backed capture of former president Nicolás Maduro in early January. In her new role, she has been balancing pressure from the United States while trying to maintain support from Maduro loyalists and other factions within the country.
“Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” Rodríguez said. She called for Venezuelan politics to settle differences independently, noting that the country has suffered heavily confronting “fascism and extremism.”
While Rodríguez stopped short of openly antagonizing the United States, she emphasized that Venezuela is not afraid and that relations with Washington must be based on respect for international law, human dignity, and Venezuela’s history.
US President Donald Trump initially claimed the US would “run” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture, but later endorsed Rodríguez as interim leader. Trump has praised Rodríguez, saying they are “getting along very well” and confirming ongoing cooperation on governance and oil production.
Venezuela’s leadership now faces multiple internal divisions, including Maduro loyalists, factions opposed to his policies, and supporters of the late Hugo Chávez who reject Maduro’s direction. Meanwhile, the opposition remains cautious about its role, though Trump has expressed interest in involving leader María Corina Machado in Venezuela’s governance.
The United States has demanded Venezuela restore oil production, cut ties with China, Iran, Russia, and Cuba, and prioritize cooperation with US oil companies. Venezuela’s oil reserves, the world’s largest for extra-heavy crude, remain a key strategic asset and economic driver.
Human rights issues are also in focus. At least 104 political prisoners were released on Sunday, marking one of the largest single-day releases since January 8. According to the rights group Foro Penal, the total number of detainees freed since then has reached at least 266. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported that 808 people have been released since December as part of a “coexistence and peace” initiative.
The Venezuelan government has expressed openness to a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to verify the list of releases, although the full details have not been made public. US officials, including Trump, have praised the releases as a humanitarian gesture.
Rodríguez’s statements underline Venezuela’s effort to assert sovereignty while navigating complex pressures from the United States, internal factions, and the opposition. The country faces the challenge of balancing international expectations, domestic stability, and the management of its critical oil resources.
This development signals a cautious but firm assertion of Venezuelan independence, even as Rodríguez continues cooperation with Washington on certain strategic matters, including humanitarian issues and economic recovery.