Trump claims US ‘in charge’ as Maduro faces New York court

AFP/APP

New York: President Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States is now “in charge” of Venezuela will be underscored on Monday when the country’s deposed leader is brought before a New York court, while his successor signals willingness to cooperate with Washington.

Leftist strongman Nicolas Maduro, 63, is facing narcotrafficking charges in the United States, along with his wife, who was also detained and removed from Caracas during a shock US operation on Saturday. The assault reportedly involved commandos, air strikes by jet planes, and a massive naval deployment off Venezuela’s coast.

At Venezuela’s request, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on Monday, providing a platform for international concern over US intentions in the oil-rich country of around 30 million people.

Trump, however, appeared unfazed as his plan to assert control over Venezuela and its vast oil reserves unfolded.

“We’re in charge,” Trump announced late Sunday.

In a potential diplomatic win for Washington, Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s successor and interim leader, softened her earlier rhetoric and issued a statement offering cooperation with the Trump administration.

“We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on an agenda for cooperation,” the former vice president said late Sunday.

Her statement came hours after Trump warned that she would pay a “very big price — probably bigger than Maduro” if she failed to comply with US demands.

When asked what Washington expected from Rodriguez, Trump said, “We need total access. We need access to the oil and other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country.”

While there are no known US troops remaining inside Venezuela, a large naval presence — including an aircraft carrier — continues to operate off its coast. The Trump administration has also said it retains significant economic leverage by blockading Venezuelan oil tankers and has warned of further military action if necessary.

No regime change

What comes next for Venezuela, after nearly 25 years of hard-left rule under Maduro and his late predecessor Hugo Chavez, remains unclear.

US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Americans were left “scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear.”

The White House insisted on Sunday that it does not seek full regime change — only Maduro’s removal and the installation of a compliant government, even if it includes his former allies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that Washington is not pursuing a radical political overhaul or a swift return to democracy.

Rather than dismantling the entire Maduro government, “we’re going to make an assessment on the basis of what they do,” Rubio told CBS News.

This stance has sidelined Venezuela’s opposition, which Washington claims was robbed of victory in recent elections.

Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia said the US intervention was “important” but “not enough” without the release of political prisoners and recognition of his claim to have won the 2024 election.

Breaching international law?

Countries including China, Russia, and Iran, all long-time allies of Maduro’s government, swiftly condemned the US operation. Several US allies, including the European Union, also expressed alarm.

China called for Maduro to be “immediately released,” with its foreign ministry describing the US action as a “clear violation of international law.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced the move as an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America, warning it could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

By contrast, Italy and Israel, whose leaders strongly support Trump, voiced more supportive positions.