Interim Venezuelan Leader Seeks US Collaboration as Trump Claims Control, Oil Quarantine Remains
Updated (2 articles)
U.S. policy hinges on oil‑quarantine leverage rather than day‑to‑day rule The United States announced it will press policy changes in Venezuela primarily through the existing oil‑quarantine on sanctioned tankers, avoiding direct administrative control of the country. Senator Rubio emphasized that Washington’s approach is to use sanctions as a bargaining chip, not to embark on a new nation‑building effort. Both outlets note the regime aims to influence Caracas while keeping broader governance issues unresolved [1][2].
Trump declares American authority while Rodríguez offers partnership President Trump publicly stated that the United States would be “in charge” following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez responded by inviting Washington to cooperate on a development agenda grounded in international law and respectful relations. The juxtaposition signals a blend of pressure and diplomatic outreach from the U.S. side [1][2].
Night‑time operation leads to indictment of Maduro and his wife U.S. forces conducted a midnight raid that extracted Maduro and his spouse from their Caracas residence. The Justice Department subsequently filed a narco‑terrorism indictment against the couple, linking them to drug‑trafficking and violent conspiracies, and scheduling a Manhattan appearance. Both reports present the legal action as a core element of the broader U.S. strategy [1][2].
Cuban security forces suffer reported casualties Cuba announced that 32 of its security officers were killed during the U.S. operation, a figure President Trump acknowledged while highlighting the high cost to the opposing side. Only the WBNS article provides this casualty count, adding a regional dimension to the conflict [1].
Caracas experiences unusual calm as political transition proceeds The capital remained unusually quiet over the weekend, with ministries operating at reduced visibility and Maduro’s son absent from public view. The incoming National Assembly, dominated by the ruling party, is slated for swearing‑in, suggesting continuity of political control despite the upheaval. Both sources report this subdued atmosphere and pending legislative ceremony [1][2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
WBNS: Interim Venezuelan leader invites Trump to collaborate, seeks respectful relations: Highlights U.S. reliance on oil quarantine, Trump’s claim of control, Rodríguez’s invitation, Maduro indictment, Cuban casualty figures, and a quiet Caracas awaiting Assembly swearing‑in .
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[2]
King5: Interim Venezuelan leader invites Trump to collaborate, seeks respectful relations: Mirrors WBNS on oil‑quarantine policy and diplomatic overtures, adds emphasis on broader U.S. Caribbean presence and regional pressure, and notes the same political quietude in Caracas .
Timeline
Jan 3, 2026 – The United States conducts a midnight raid that extracts President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their Caracas home; the operation kills 32 Cuban security officers, a casualty figure Trump publicly acknowledges, saying the “toll is high on the other side.” [1]
Jan 4, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Justice releases a new indictment charging Maduro and his wife with a narco‑terrorism conspiracy, scheduling their first appearance in Manhattan and underscoring Washington’s legal pressure on the deposed regime. [1]
Jan 4, 2026 – Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez declares Maduro “the country’s rightful leader” and urges the United States to release him, framing the U.S. operation as an “atrocity” against Venezuela. [1]
Jan 4, 2026 – U.S. official Rubio states that Washington will enforce the existing oil‑quarantine on Venezuelan tankers but will not assume day‑to‑day governance, positioning sanctions on oil as the primary lever for policy change. [2]
Jan 4, 2026 – President Donald Trump asserts “we’re in charge” following Maduro’s ouster, while Rodríguez posts that “Venezuela seeks respectful relations with the United States” and invites collaboration on a development agenda within international law. [1][2]
Jan 4, 2026 – Caracas experiences an unusually quiet weekend: ministers remain in place, Maduro’s son Nicolás Ernesto Guerra stays out of the public eye, and the incoming National Assembly prepares to be sworn in under ruling‑party control, signaling a tentative return to routine governance. [1][2]