Delcy Rodríguez, the de facto leader of Venezuela, has firmly rejected a meme posted by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which labeled her as the country’s “acting president.” In a state broadcast from Catia La Mar on January 3, 2023, Rodríguez reaffirmed her authority and condemned what she described as efforts to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty.
During the broadcast, Rodríguez criticized Trump’s characterization, asserting, “There is a government in charge in Venezuela. There is an acting president and there is a president held hostage in the United States.” She emphasized the importance of governing alongside the people and highlighted the government’s commitment to defending against U.S. attacks.
Rodríguez’s response came in the wake of the U.S. law enforcement action that resulted in the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Catia La Mar, where Rodríguez delivered her remarks, was notably impacted by the January 3 operation. She stated that the Venezuelan government is determined to protect the rights of its citizens amidst external pressures.
The broadcast also included Rodríguez’s criticism of the dissemination of memes and other online content that seek to position Trump as Venezuela’s authority. According to the state-owned news outlet Telesur, she described these actions as desperate attempts to ignore the political reality in Venezuela.
Rodríguez is quoted saying, “We are defending the rights of our beloved homeland against the illegal attacks of the U.S. government.” She emphasized that her administration continues to work with the people, maintaining a focus on international relations built on respect and adherence to international law.
While Rodríguez asserted her leadership, Trump has claimed that she remains in communication with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This contrast highlights the complexity of the current political landscape in Venezuela, where the government’s claims of sovereignty are juxtaposed with external assertions of authority.
The ongoing situation in Venezuela raises significant questions about the future of its governance and international relations. As the country navigates this tumultuous period, Rodríguez’s remarks reflect a steadfast commitment to maintaining control and asserting national sovereignty against perceived foreign interference.
