'Will Pay Bigger Price Than Maduro': Trump Signals Tougher Action Against Venezuela’s Acting President After Maduro's Detention

US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, cautioning her against defying Washington following the US-led operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

In remarks made during a telephone interview with The Atlantic on Sunday, Trump said Rodríguez would face consequences exceeding those imposed on Maduro if she resists US demands. “If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” Trump was quoted as saying.

Trump Demands ‘Total Access’ To Venezuela

Speaking later aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States requires “total access” to Venezuela, including its oil resources, to help stabilise the country. He asserted that US involvement would be aimed at rebuilding Venezuela following years of economic collapse and political turmoil. “We need access to the oil and to other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country,” Trump said, signalling a shift from his earlier scepticism about regime change and nation-building.

He also indicated that Venezuela may not be the last country to face US intervention, reiterating his long-standing interest in Greenland and citing concerns over Russian and Chinese presence in the region.

Rodríguez Rejects US Pressure, Vows Resistance

Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed the role of interim president after Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered her elevation following Maduro’s capture, has rejected Trump’s characterisation of cooperation.

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In a televised address, Rodríguez said Venezuela would defend its sovereignty and natural resources, declaring that the country would “never be a colony again.” She described the US action as an “atrocity” and accused Washington of violating international law.

Maduro is being held at MDC Brooklyn, a high-security federal jail known for housing high-profile detainees. The facility has faced repeated criticism over safety concerns and living conditions, though US authorities say reforms have been implemented in recent years.

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The situation continues to draw international attention, with tensions rising as Washington and Caracas trade sharp words in the aftermath of the unprecedented operation.