4. 01. 2026 | Natalie Bezděková

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Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated again after US President Donald Trump made a pointed threat to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. In his words, she could “end up worse off than Nicolás Maduro” if she is unwilling to agree to the fundamental political and economic changes that Washington is demanding of Caracas. Trump’s remarks came at a time when the situation in Venezuela has entered a new phase following the US crackdown on the regime there.

Trump has made it clear that the United States holds the current Venezuelan leadership responsible for the country’s long-term disruption, economic collapse and security problems, which, according to Washington, go beyond Latin America. The warning to the vice-president was not just a personal threat, but was intended to symbolise a broader American position: anyone who continues the policies of the old regime could face harsh consequences.

At the same time, the US President outlined the changes that the United States expects from Venezuela. Among the main demands are curbing the influence of armed groups and drug cartels, making the management of the state oil company more transparent and ensuring that the country’s wealth primarily serves its people, not a small group of political elites. Trump has repeatedly stressed that the United States is unwilling to tolerate a situation in which Venezuela is, in his words, being “exploited” to finance illegal activities and destabilise the region.

At the same time, there have been attempts by the US administration to alleviate concerns about direct US administration of Venezuela. Washington officials say that their aim is not to manage the country on a day-to-day basis, but to put pressure on the Venezuelan elites themselves to carry out political and economic reforms. These, the United States believes, should pave the way for the restoration of democracy, the stabilisation of the economy and the return of the country to the international scene as a credible partner.

However, the Venezuelan leadership has strongly criticised the US approach. Vice President Rodríguez has described the US action as a violation of international law and an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. According to her, the United States is primarily pursuing its own economic interests, particularly in the oil sector, and is using political pressure to strengthen its influence in the region. At the same time, Caracas warns that US threats could lead to a further deterioration in relations and deepen instability.

Trump’s harsh rhetoric has thus reopened the question of how far the United States is willing to go in pursuing its policy towards Venezuela. The coming weeks will show whether his words will translate into further concrete steps or whether they will remain primarily a tool of coercion. What is certain, however, is that relations between Washington and Caracas remain extremely tense and the future of Venezuela will continue to be played out under intense international pressure.

Photo source: www.pexels.com

Natalie Bezděková

I am a student of Master's degree in Political Science. I am interested in marketing, especially copywriting and social media. I also focus on political and social events at home and abroad and technological innovations. My free time is filled with sports, reading and a passion for travel.