Future of Venezuela still uncertain after Trump and Rubio send contrasting messages

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spent much of Sunday clarifying the Trump administration’s approach to Venezuela, saying the US focus is on setting policy and maintaining “leverage” over its future via its military presence and oil blockade. But on Sunday evening, President Donald Trump made a bolder claim, telling reporters: “We’re in charge.” The variations in US messaging add to the pervasive uncertainty felt by Venezuelans at home and abroad.

Trump also appeared to put other countries on notice, implying the US could take military action in Colombia, telling Mexico to get its “act together” on drugs, and saying the US “needs Greenland.” This comes as Venezuela’s ousted President Nicolás Maduro, who is facing drug and weapons charges, is expected to appear in court for the first time on Monday in New York, following the US military operation that led to his capture. “The case is infallible,” Trump said. Here are the latest developments: US “in charge” of Venezuela: Trump initially said that the US would be “running” Venezuela in the near term. Despite Rubio seeking to clarify the US approach, saying it wants to see a democratic transition in Venezuela, Trump doubled down. “We’re in charge,” he told reporters Sunday, and reiterated his plan for US companies to make “big investments” to rebuild Venezuela’s failing oil industry.

Threats to other countries: Trump described Colombian President Gustavo Petro as a “sick man who likes making cocaine” and warned that “he’s not going to be doing it very long.” He then turned his attention to the US’ southern neighbor, saying drugs were “pouring through Mexico” and repeated remarks that Cuba would fall on its own. Trump, who has repeatedly stated he wants to annex Greenland, also said the US needed the self-governing territory of Denmark “from the standpoint of national security.” Interim leadership: Trump said he needs Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, to provide the US with “total access” to “oil and to other things.”

He also reiterated his threat that Rodríguez would “face a situation probably worse than Maduro” if she didn’t cooperate. When asked why Trump has not embraced Venezuela’s opposition, Rubio praised leader María Corina Machado but said most of the movement had left Venezuela. “We have short-term things that have to be addressed right away,” Rubio told NBC. Softer tone: Rodríguez took office as acting president late Sunday soon after a shift in tone in her response to the US attack. She called for an “agenda of cooperation” with the US and that Venezuela will “prioritize” moving toward “balanced and respectful international relations.”

Trump said Rodríguez was “cooperating.” Cuban deaths: The Cuban government said 32 of its citizens were killed in the US strikes on Venezuela and called the action a “criminal attack.” Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz Canel condemned the attack, calling it “state terrorism.” Maduro’s capture is a reversal of fortune for Cuba’s communist-run government, which for decades has relied on aid packages from its oil-rich South American ally. Oil companies: US officials have gauged American oil firms’ interest in returning to Venezuela as the president says he’s counting on them to rebuild the industry. But sources said companies are wary of committing to reinvesting.