Trump Warns New Venezuelan Leader as Maduro Faces U.S. Court

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Venezuela's new leader, Delcy Rodríguez, that she could "pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro" if she "doesn't do what's right," as deposed President Nicolás Maduro was set to appear in a New York court on Monday to face drug trafficking and weapons charges. Trump's comments, made to The Atlantic, came amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, drawing international scrutiny to the political turmoil in the South American nation, according to BBC World.

Maduro, who the U.S. accuses of running a "narco-terrorist" regime, a claim he denies, faces charges of drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro's vice president, adopted a conciliatory tone at her first cabinet meeting on Sunday, offering cooperation with the U.S. She stated, "We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of co-operation."

The situation raises concerns about potential U.S. intervention and its impact on Venezuelan sovereignty, reflecting broader debates on foreign policy and international law within the global community, BBC World reported. The charges against Maduro and Trump's warning to Rodríguez further complicate the already strained relationship between the two countries.