United States President Donald Trump said in an interview with The Atlantic magazine that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez could face “a fate worse than the one that befell Nicolas Maduro” if he does not fulfil Washington’s demands.
The American president did not specify what measures could be applied, but emphasised that the United States has “all the necessary levers” to influence further developments in the country. According to him, Washington expects the interim authorities in Venezuela to make decisions that will meet the interests of the United States and “the will of the Venezuelan people.”
Caracas has not yet officially commented on Trump’s statements.
Maduro, who was captured along with his wife Celia Flores in a USA operation in January, was flown to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Maduro and Flores are currently in custody.
A federal judge in New York released a new indictment charging Maduro, his wife and four others with four counts, including “narco-terrorism” and conspiracy to import cocaine.
Hours after the operation, Trump said the US would govern Venezuela until there is an orderly transfer of power. He did not specify exactly how that would take place.