Venezuela’s Interim Leader Defies Trump and Calls Maduro the ‘Only President’

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Jack NicasJanuary 3, 2026 at 10:22 PM

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In January 2026, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, according to the U.S. Following this, President Trump stated that Rodríguez would cooperate with the U.S. in governing Venezuela. However, Rodríguez quickly refuted this in a televised address, condemning the U.S. as an illegal invader and affirming Venezuela's determination to remain free. She emphasized that the U.S. seeks regime change to seize Venezuela's resources. Rodríguez delivered her address alongside Venezuela’s National Defense Council, signaling a unified front against U.S. intervention. She and other Venezuelan leaders continue to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president, defying Trump's demands.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

U.S.S. Iwo Jima 40% National Defense Council 60% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×480% Donald Trump ×790% United States ×690% Delcy Rodríguez ×895% Venezuela ×9100%

Keywords

venezuela 100% u.s. intervention 80% regime change 70% delcy rodríguez 70% trump 60% nicolás maduro 60% sovereignty 50% national defense council 50% political defiance 40%