Senator Rubio’s remarks appeared to be crafted to allay fears that the bold push for regime change in Venezuela could entangle the United States in another lengthy foreign intervention or a botched nation-building effort.
Throughout the weekend, the Venezuelan government continued its operations as usual, with officials maintaining their positions.
On Sunday, the capital city experienced an unusual stillness, with a noticeable scarcity of vehicles on the roads and the closure of convenience stores, gas stations, and various businesses.
Nicolás Ernesto Guerra, the son of President Maduro and a member of the legislature, has remained out of the public eye since the incident. On Saturday, he took to Instagram to share a government statement condemning the capture of his father and stepmother.
The newly formed National Assembly of Venezuela is scheduled to be inaugurated at the legislative palace in Caracas, with the ruling party retaining control over the unicameral body.
According to Venezuelan law, Rodríguez is the next in line to succeed Maduro. Despite expressing on Saturday via state television that she had no intention of assuming power, the high court of Venezuela later mandated that she step into the interim leadership role.
Trump told The Atlantic in an interview on Sunday that Rodríguez could “pay a very big price” if she doesn’t do what he thinks is right for Venezuela. Speaking to reporters later, Trump said Rodríguez is “cooperating” but reiterated the threat. He said he wanted her to provide “total access,” from major oil operations to basic infrastructure like roads, so all can be rebuilt.
His warning contrasted with his comments about Rodríguez on Saturday when he said Rubio had spoken with her and she was willing to do what the US thinks is needed to improve the standard of living in Venezuela.
