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In a stunning cascade of claims and counterclaims, President Donald Trump said the US attack on Venezuela has cleared the way for Washington to oversee the country’s governance until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can be secured.

Speaking at a news conference, Trump said a “group of people” would temporarily run Venezuela. When pressed on who might comprise that group, he said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been in contact with Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s vice president under Nicolás Maduro.

Rodríguez at Center of Diplomatic Speculation

Rodríguez was the first senior Venezuelan official to speak publicly after the US strikes, urging Washington to provide proof of life for Maduro and his wife. Her message, delivered only in audio form, sparked immediate speculation that she may have fled the country.

Sources told Reuters she was in Russia, a claim swiftly rejected by Russia’s foreign minister as “fake.” Trump added fuel to the intrigue by saying Rodríguez had expressed willingness to do “whatever the US asks.”

That assertion surprised observers, as Rodríguez and her brother Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, have long stood among Maduro’s fiercest defenders.

Pressure, Promises and Threats

While Trump suggested Rodríguez could be cooperating to save herself, he also warned that the US was prepared to launch a second wave of strikes if necessary. Even so, analysts note she is unlikely to be viewed as a credible agent of political change inside Venezuela.

As the briefing continued, Trump hinted at broader regional implications. Responding to a reporter from Cuba, he said Havana would soon be part of Washington’s conversations. Rubio added that Cuban guards had helped protect Maduro, warning that Cuban officials “should be concerned.”

Opposition Leader Sidelined

Asked whether he had spoken to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Trump said he had not. Though calling her a “very nice woman,” he said it would be “very tough” for her to lead Venezuela, citing a lack of domestic support and respect.

Boots on the Ground Acknowledged

Trump confirmed that the US military had “boots on the ground,” saying forces were present “at a very high level” during the operation. Asked how the US would govern Venezuela, he said officials were being designated and would be announced soon.

Gesturing toward himself and Rubio, Trump said interim control would largely fall to “the people standing right behind me.”

Rubio: Maduro Not a Legitimate Leader

Rubio said Maduro is not Venezuela’s legitimate president, a position he said was shared by both Trump administrations, the Biden administration, the European Union, and multiple countries worldwide.

He described Maduro as a “fugitive of American justice” with a $50 million reward on his head. “I guess we saved ourselves $50 million,” Rubio quipped, prompting Trump to add, “Don’t let anybody claim it.”

Rubio said Maduro ignored multiple chances to avoid confrontation, accusing him of inviting Iran into Venezuela and flooding the US with gang members. Trump, he said, “is not a game player.”