(The Epoch Times)—President Donald Trump told reporters while departing the White House on Jan. 16 that he is working with interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez rather than aligning with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado because he wants to maintain stability in the region.
He said his decision was based on a desire to avoid a power vacuum that might emerge if the entire regime was swiftly dismantled, noting the challenges faced in Iraq after American forces invaded.
“If you ever remember a place called Iraq where everybody was fired, every single person, the police, the generals, everybody was fired, and they ended up being ISIS,” Trump said. “Instead of just getting down to business, they ended up being ISIS.”
The remarks came a day after he met with Machado, who presented the president with the Nobel Peace Prize she was awarded last year.
“I had a great meeting yesterday with a person who I have a lot of respect for, and she has respect, obviously, for me and our country,” Trump said. “But I’ll tell you what, I got to know her. I never met her before, and I was very, very impressed. She’s a really, this is a fine woman.”
The U.S. president earlier expressed his doubts about the level of domestic support Machado had in order to lead the nation through existing political headwinds.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the president’s perspective was “based on realities on the ground.”
“It was a realistic assessment based on what the president was reading and hearing from his advisers and national security team, and at this moment in time, his opinion on that matter has not changed,” Leavitt said.
Trump spoke with Rodríguez on Jan. 14 about the future of Venezuela.
“We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover,” Trump posted on Truth Social after the call, which covered trade and national security, among other topics.
“This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!”
The Venezuelan leader described the discussion as productive.
“I held a long and courteous telephone conversation with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, conducted within a framework of mutual respect, in which we addressed a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of our peoples, as well as pending matters between our governments,” Rodríguez posted on X.
Rodríguez assumed the leadership position following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores by the U.S. military in Caracas on Jan. 3.
Trump cautioned Rodríguez immediately after the operation that her fate could be worse than Maduro’s—who is facing narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges from a federal prison facility in New York—if she failed to “do what’s right.”
Since then, Venezuela released an unspecified number of incarcerated Americans.
Trump moved to revitalize the oil-rich nation with an agreement to refine up to 50 million barrels of oil in the United States. Oil and gas companies have committed to investing up to $100 billion to jumpstart the industry.
Revenues will help rebuild Venezuela’s crumbling infrastructure and fund humanitarian efforts, according to the U.S. president.
Decades of socialist rule under the regimes of Hugo Chavez and Maduro resulted in economic weakness, with millions of Venezuelans fleeing the country to avoid food shortages and poor living conditions.
Trump said the United States will oversee the nation’s political and economic systems until conditions allow for free and fair elections.
Comments About This Story Through X:
We are switching to using X as our comment “system.” Our hope is that by using that public forum, more of our readers will be willing to share their thoughts.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s uncertain world, where skyrocketing medical costs and bureaucratic red tape threaten the very fabric of the American way of life, protecting your family’s health and financial future has never been more critical. Medical bills remain the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with millions of hardworking Americans either uninsured, underinsured, or overburdened by premiums that don’t deliver real value. But what if there was a way to secure top-tier coverage that aligns with your conservative values, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind?
Enter America First Healthcare—a private insurance agency dedicated to empowering freedom-loving patriots like you to reclaim control over your healthcare destiny.
Founded by Jordan Sarmiento, a dynamic entrepreneur and former touring musician who knows firsthand the highs and lows of navigating America’s complex insurance landscape, America First Healthcare stands as a beacon for those who believe in small government, personal responsibility, and the enduring American Dream. Jordan’s own journey underscores the company’s mission: after a harrowing six-day hospital stay that racked up a $95,000 bill, his Conservative Care Coverage through America First Healthcare reduced his out-of-pocket expenses to just $500. This isn’t just insurance—it’s a shield against the financial pitfalls that plague so many families, ensuring you’re prepared for life’s unexpected turns without sacrificing your principles.
At its core, America First Healthcare is about more than policies; it’s about shared values. In an era where “woke” policies and liberal ideologies seem to infiltrate every corner of society, this agency prioritizes serving conservatives who value freedom and self-reliance. They offer a suite of essential services designed to fortify your life, including:
- Health Insurance: Tailored plans that keep your family healthy and ready to thrive, addressing the gaps that leave 41 million Americans vulnerable to preventable chronic diseases and inadequate coverage.
- Life Insurance: Protection that secures your loved ones’ future, ensuring your legacy endures.
- Business Insurance: Safeguards for your enterprise, preserving the income that fuels your independence.
What sets America First Healthcare apart is their commitment to personalization and savings. Start with their complimentary Free Insurance Review, where experts evaluate your current policies to uncover hidden gaps, eliminate over insurance, and potentially slash your costs by up to 20%. Whether you’re among the 27 million uninsured, the 44% underinsured on marketplace plans, or the 33% feeling squeezed by high premiums, their team crafts customized solutions that deliver better coverage at rates that respect your wallet. And with ongoing support from advisors who share your worldview, you’ll never feel alone in the fight for affordable, reliable protection.
Clients rave about the difference America First makes. Families across the nation have switched to better health insurance for less, resting easy knowing they’ve partnered with a company that puts America first. As one satisfied customer might say, it’s not just about policies—it’s about preserving the freedoms that make this country great.
Don’t let liberal overreach or financial uncertainty derail your dreams. Take the first step toward unbreakable security today by visiting for your Free Insurance Review. With America First Healthcare, you’re not just insured—you’re empowered to live the life you deserve. Act now, because your American Dream is worth protecting.
