'I'm ultimately in charge,' Trump says in context of US officials to manage Venezuela
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump named a group of officials who will help oversee US involvement in the situation in Venezuela, according to his interview with NBC News.
Based on Trump’s remarks, the following officials will be involved in overseeing Venezuela:
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio;
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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth;
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Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller;
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US Vice President J.D. Vance.
"It's a group of all. They have all expertise, different expertise," he said.
But he had a one-word answer for who is ultimately in charge: "Me."
In the same interview, Trump said that Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in as acting president after the detention of Nicolas Maduro, is cooperating with US officials. However, he noted that there had been no contact with her before the operation.
Trump also hinted that the United States could carry out a renewed military intervention if Rodríguez were to stop cooperating.
US intends to administer Venezuela
On January 3, the United States carried out a large-scale operation in Venezuela. After strikes on several military and other targets in Caracas, US forces detained Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transported them to the United States.
On January 5, their first court hearing took place in New York. Both pleaded not guilty, while Maduro said he remained the sitting president. According to Bloomberg, citing sources, the substantive trial is unlikely to begin before 2027.
Following the operation, Trump and senior US officials held a briefing, during which the president said the United States would administer Venezuela until power is transferred.
Bloomberg later reported, citing sources, that Marco Rubio would play a key role in overseeing Venezuela until a safe and lawful transition of power takes place.
Subsequently, The Washington Post, citing a source, reported that the Trump administration is considering appointing a special envoy for Venezuela, citing the scale of decisions and responsibilities currently assigned to Rubio.
