### Venezuela's Interim Leadership: Defiance Amidst U.S. Claims of Control In a significant political development, Delcy Rodriguez has taken the helm as Venezuela's interim president following the ousting of Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez has firmly stated that no foreign power, particularly the United States, is governing Venezuela, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's assertions of control over the country's oil resources. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions and geopolitical maneuvering, as the U.S. seeks to assert influence in the region while Rodriguez aims to maintain national sovereignty. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Political Situation** - Delcy Rodriguez's rise to power follows the controversial removal of Nicolas Maduro. - Trump claims the U.S. will oversee Venezuela's oil, which Rodriguez vehemently denies. 2. **Rodriguez's Position and Statements** - Rodriguez insists on Venezuela's independence and governance by its own authorities. - She has expressed mixed signals regarding cooperation with the U.S., oscillating between defiance and a willingness to engage. 3. **Implications for Venezuela's Future** - The U.S. claims could lead to increased tensions and potential conflict over oil resources. - Rodriguez's leadership may face challenges in asserting control and legitimacy both domestically and internationally. 4. **Public Sentiment and Mobilization** - Rodriguez has noted that Venezuelans are rallying for the release of Maduro and his wife, indicating a divided public sentiment. - The political landscape remains volatile, with potential for further unrest. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Statements from Rodriguez:** - "The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no one else" [https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/01/06/venezuela-interim-leader-says-no-foreign-power-running-country]. - "My destiny is decided only by God" [https://www.latintimes.com/venezuelas-interim-leader-strikes-defiant-tone-after-trumps-threats-my-destiny-decided-only-593329]. - **U.S. Claims:** - Trump announced that Venezuela would be turning over millions of barrels of oil to the U.S. [https://www.firstpost.com/world/venezuela-interim-prez-delcy-rodriguez-says-no-foreign-power-is-running-country-13966215.html]. - **Public Mobilization:** - Rodriguez highlighted the mobilization of Venezuelans demanding Maduro's release, showcasing the ongoing political divide [https://www.latintimes.com/venezuelas-interim-leader-strikes-defiant-tone-after-trumps-threats-my-destiny-decided-only-593329]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Political Context:** - Delcy Rodriguez has assumed the role of interim president amid claims of U.S. control over Venezuela's oil resources. 2. **Rodriguez's Stance:** - She asserts that Venezuela is governed solely by its own authorities, rejecting any foreign influence. 3. **Future Implications:** - The U.S. claims could exacerbate tensions, impacting Venezuela's political stability and international relations. 4. **Public Response:** - There is significant public mobilization around the fate of Maduro, indicating a complex political landscape. In conclusion, the situation in Venezuela remains precarious, with Rodriguez's leadership facing both internal and external challenges as she navigates the claims of U.S. control and seeks to assert her government's legitimacy [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3338856/venezuela-seeks-show-it-operating-free-us-control].