The United States' potential 'running' of Venezuela appears less imminent, yet a second intervention remains a possibility. Despite the initial shock of President Nicolás Maduro's abduction, US officials assert their readiness to deploy a 15,000-strong force in the Caribbean, contingent on interim president Delcy Rodríguez's compliance with their demands. While Rodríguez maintains a defiant public stance, the details of her private conversations with US officials remain undisclosed. Following Maduro's abduction, Trump threatened to 'run' Venezuela, warning Rodríguez of severe consequences if she fails to cooperate. Trump's officials had previously identified Rodríguez as a potential successor and business partner, considering her connections with Wall Street and oil companies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Rodríguez's pledge of loyalty to Maduro, yet he emphasized the US's 'multiple levers of influence' to exert control if Venezuela's leaders make 'wrong' decisions. Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican, also questioned the immediate feasibility of Trump's vow to 'run' Venezuela, highlighting the need for further clarification. The US's actions have sparked concern among neighboring countries, with Colombia deploying troops to its border with Venezuela. The White House released footage of Maduro's 'perp walk' to Drug Enforcement Administration offices, accompanied by an indictment for narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. This development has deepened the humiliation of Maduro loyalists and complicated the transition for his successor, Rodríguez, who must balance Washington's demands with the regime's socialist and anti-imperialist roots. The Trump administration's preference for regime tweak over regime change has disappointed those seeking democracy, as Trump dismisses opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's influence. Rubio's statement on a transition to democracy, while ruling out immediate elections, underscores the complexity of the situation, leaving the future of Venezuela in a state of uncertainty.
