On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation. Following this, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s new leader, stating she would “pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” if she continues to reject U.S. intervention.
Trump criticized Rodríguez for her defiant stance against U.S. demands, adding, “Rebuilding there and regime change, anything you want to call it, is better than what you have right now. Can’t get any worse.”
Trump, speaking to The Atlantic, framed his approach as a modernized version of the Monroe Doctrine, with the U.S. aiming to stabilize Venezuela’s political environment and control the country’s vast oil resources. He further stated that a U.S.-appointed team would “run Venezuela” until a new government is in place.
This bold move and the threat to Rodríguez echo U.S. efforts in Latin America to reshape the region’s political dynamics. Trump’s comments signal the possibility of more U.S. interventions beyond Venezuela, including in regions like Greenland, which he referenced in the same interview.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment. Trump’s remarks have sparked criticism and raised concerns about further destabilization in the region.
On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces captured
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