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Marco Rubio says Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez is not legitimate
Summary
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Delcy Rodríguez, sworn in after Nicolas Maduro's removal, is not Venezuela's legitimate leader and that the U.S. will use an oil quarantine as leverage.
Content
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in as Venezuela's acting president after Nicolas Maduro's removal, is not the country's legitimate leader. He spoke with Rodríguez following a U.S. operation that resulted in Maduro being taken into U.S. custody. Rubio said the United States would not support Rodríguez remaining in power and called for a period of transition and real elections. He also described maintaining an oil quarantine as a source of leverage over Caracas.
Key points:
- Rubio said the current regime is not legitimate and said about 60 countries share that view.
- Rubio spoke with acting president Delcy Rodríguez after U.S. forces captured former president Nicolás Maduro, who was brought to the United States to face drug-trafficking charges.
- Rubio said the U.S. will not support Rodríguez staying in power and called for elections and a transition process.
- He said the United States would use an oil quarantine and enforcement against sanctioned shipments as leverage to press for changes.
Summary:
Rubio's remarks signal U.S. opposition to Delcy Rodríguez's claim to leadership and emphasize pressure through sanctions and oil controls. Maduro has been transferred to the United States to face charges. Undetermined at this time.
Sources
Rubio explains how U.S. might 'run' Venezuela after Maduros' ouster
CNBC1/4/2026, 5:45:50 PMOpen source →
Marco Rubio says Venezuela's VP Delcy Rodríguez isn't a legitimate...
New York Post1/4/2026, 2:45:28 PMOpen source →
Rubio Says Oil Quarantine Gives US Sway in Post-Maduro Venezuela
Bloomberg Business1/4/2026, 2:06:52 PMOpen source →
