President Donald Trump indicated on 3/1 that US military deployment to Venezuela could be avoided if Vice President Delcy Rodriguez complies with US demands. When asked by a NY Post reporter whether he would order troops to "assist in governing" the country, Trump replied, "No, if Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez does what we want."

Trump emphasized the US readiness for further action, adding, "We are ready. We have prepared for a second, much larger attack." He also confirmed multiple discussions with Vice President Rodriguez, stating, "She understands the situation well." Previously, Trump had declared the US was "not afraid" to deploy troops on Venezuelan territory and would appoint cabinet members to handle Venezuelan issues, without providing further details.

President Donald Trump speaking to the press at Mar-a-Lago, Florida on 3/1. *AFP*

These remarks follow a US campaign launched on the morning of 3/1 to arrest President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. In response, US-backed Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado posted on social media, proclaiming "the hour of freedom has arrived." She urged Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who lost to Maduro in the 2024 election, to "immediately" assume the presidency of Venezuela.

However, Trump showed surprising indifference to Machado becoming Venezuela's new leader, claiming she "lacked support or respect" in the country. Instead, the US leader praised Vice President Rodriguez, saying "she is ready to do what we believe is necessary to make Venezuela great again."

Coinciding with these developments, Venezuela's Supreme Court ruled on the evening of 3/1 that Vice President Rodriguez would become interim president. This decision aims to ensure the continuous operation of the government and Venezuela's national defense, following the judges' conclusion that Maduro was "unable to perform his duties" at this time. The Venezuelan Constitution stipulates that if the president is temporarily or permanently absent, the vice president assumes the role of head of state, and the government must hold elections within 30 days.

Despite Trump's assertions, Vice President Rodriguez had previously emphasized that Maduro remains "the only president of Venezuela." She also criticized the US attack on Venezuela as "barbaric," demanding Washington release Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. This stance contradicts Trump's statements that Rodriguez would be sworn in and soon cooperate with the US.

Huyen Le (According to NY Post, AFP)