Maduro is 'Legitimate President' of Venezuela: Delcy Rodríguez

US-Venezuela Diplomatic Engagement

• 🤝 US Energy Secretary Chris Wright held the first official talks with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
• 🎯 The primary goal of these discussions is to build a lasting relationship between the United States and Venezuela.
• 💡 Secretary Wright noted amazing cooperation and enormous positive changes from Rodríguez during their five weeks of interaction.

Legitimacy of Maduro's Presidency

• 🗣️ Delcy Rodríguez firmly stated that Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president of Venezuela, despite his prior ouster by the Trump administration.
• ⚖️ She asserted that both President Maduro and First Lady Celia Flores are innocent of drug trafficking charges.
• 🚨 Maduro and his wife are currently in US custody facing these drug trafficking allegations.

US Pressure and Venezuelan Response

• 🚀 The Trump administration had waged a monthslong pressure campaign, including deadly strikes against alleged drug boats and intercepting sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers.
• 📞 Rodríguez mentioned having two respectful phone calls with President Trump and receiving an invitation to visit the US.
• ⚠️ President Trump had previously warned Rodríguez to comply with Washington's demands.

Future of Venezuelan Leadership

• ❓ A key question remains whether the US can trust Rodríguez, given her history as Maduro's number two and continued allyship.
• 🗳️ Secretary Wright believes elections could be held in Venezuela before the end of the Trump administration.
• 📜 Interim President Rodríguez indicated that certain conditions would need to be met before such elections could take place.
• 📊 The United States is acknowledged to have enormous leverage over the interim authorities in Venezuela.