The geopolitical chessboard involving the United States and Venezuela is witnessing a critical new move. According to a report by Politico, the administration of President Donald Trump is actively pressuring Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, to implement a series of sweeping measures favourable to Washington. This pressure comes with a stark warning: failure to comply could result in her removal, potentially at a cost higher than that paid by her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro.
The List of Demands from Washington
The White House's conditions for Rodriguez, as reported on January 6, 2026, are extensive and directly target Venezuela's international alliances and economic lifelines. Washington's demands are clear and multifaceted. The US wants the Venezuelan government to launch a severe crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating within its borders. Furthermore, it insists on the expulsion of foreign operatives from nations like Iran and Cuba, who are considered adversaries by the US.
Perhaps the most significant economic demand is for Caracas to halt all oil sales to countries that the United States considers its foes. This would drastically alter Venezuela's primary source of revenue and its foreign policy autonomy. The ultimate goal, as revealed by sources, is for Rodriguez to eventually step aside after conducting elections that are acceptable to Washington.
Leverage: The 'Short Leash' of Sanctions and Threats
Delcy Rodriguez is reportedly on a "short leash" with the Trump administration. The tools of persuasion being employed are a classic carrot-and-stick approach. On one hand, the potential relief from crippling economic sanctions is dangled as an incentive for cooperation. On the other, the implicit and explicit threat of military action serves as a powerful deterrent against resistance.
President Trump himself has issued a grave warning, indicating that Rodriguez could "pay a higher price than Maduro" if she chooses to defy American demands. This statement starkly outlines the high-stakes environment in which the interim leader is operating, suggesting that the consequences of non-compliance could be more severe than the military action that led to Maduro's capture.
Broader Implications and Regional Power Play
This development is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of US intervention in the region. The report hints at a quiet preparation for her removal should the current strategy of coercion fail. This ongoing saga underscores the continued volatility of Venezuela's political landscape, which remains a focal point for international power struggles.
The demands also directly challenge the interests of other global players like China and Russia, who have significant investments and influence in Venezuela, particularly in its oil sector. By demanding an end to oil sales to US adversaries and expelling certain foreign personnel, Washington is attempting to sever Caracas's ties with its traditional allies and realign the nation's geopolitical orientation.
The situation presents a formidable challenge for Delcy Rodriguez. Her every move is being scrutinized, and her decisions will determine not only her political future but also the immediate trajectory of Venezuela's economy and sovereignty. The world watches to see if she will accede to Washington's terms or chart a more defiant course, risking the promised "higher price."
