In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has extended an offer of cooperation to the United States following the stunning capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by American special forces. The move signals a potential seismic shift in the geopolitical landscape of the region, with Venezuela's vast oil reserves at the center of the unfolding drama.
An Olive Branch from Caracas
The development came on January 5, 2026, after U.S. forces successfully apprehended Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to face unspecified charges. In response, the newly installed acting head of state, Delcy Rodríguez, issued a public statement seeking to de-escalate tensions. She explicitly invited the U.S. government to collaborate on a shared development agenda, firmly rooted in the principles of international law.
Rodríguez's statement emphasized a desire for "lasting community coexistence," marking a stark contrast to the previously hostile rhetoric between Caracas and Washington. This overture is widely interpreted as an attempt to prevent further military action and stabilize her tenuous position following the abrupt removal of Maduro.
Trump's Forceful Response from Air Force One
The conciliatory gesture from Venezuela, however, was met with a characteristically blunt and forceful rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump. Responding from aboard Air Force One, Trump left no room for ambiguity regarding American intentions.
He declared, "America's now in charge of Venezuela," unequivocally asserting U.S. dominance over the situation. Trump followed this proclamation with a stark warning to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, threatening severe consequences if she or any Venezuelan authority defied the directives coming from Washington.
Implications and the Shadow of Conflict
This high-stakes exchange sets the stage for a precarious new chapter in Venezuela's crisis. Rodríguez's offer, seen by many analysts as a strategic cave-in motivated by fear of a "BIGGER war," opens the door for potential U.S. access to Venezuela's significant oil resources—a key objective of American foreign policy in the region for years.
The operation, dubbed 'Op Absolute Resolve,' reportedly involved a massive show of force, including 150 American aircraft, leading to Maduro's capture within 30 minutes. The rapid success of the mission has emboldened the Trump administration, which now appears poised to dictate terms.
The future of Venezuela now hinges on the next moves by Delcy Rodríguez. Will she navigate a path of cooperation under Trump's uncompromising stance, potentially trading oil access for political survival? Or will defiance trigger the severe repercussions promised by the U.S. President? The world watches as the fate of a nation rich in resources but mired in conflict hangs in the balance.
