US working with Venezuelan Vice President following Maduro’s capture

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States is now working with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez after President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly captured.

Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump said Rodríguez had been sworn in as president, but emphasized that she was “picked by Maduro.”

When asked about cooperation with her, Trump said the US had already made contact.

He noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio “just had a conversation with her, and she’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.”

Trump added that Rodríguez “had a long conversation with Marco, and she said, ‘We’ll do whatever you need.’ … I think she was quite gracious, but she really doesn’t have a choice,” suggesting that the US would play a central role in the country’s transition.

Earlier, Trump had stated that the US would “run Venezuela” temporarily to ensure a safe transfer of power following US military operations that removed President Maduro from office.