President Trump indicated the United States would maintain involvement in Venezuela for an extended period, stating in an interview with NBC News on Monday that the country was not yet prepared to hold elections. The statement came hours after Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's ousted president, was arraigned in New York City and Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, was sworn in as interim leader in Caracas.

Trump told NBC News that while he believed the Venezuelan government was cooperating with the United States, immediate elections were not feasible. "No, it's going to take a period of time," Trump said. "We have to nurse the country back to health." He also named several of his top aides to oversee the next steps in the U.S.'s involvement.

Rodríguez, upon being sworn in, offered to work with the United States on a cooperative agenda, but also criticized what she termed illegitimate military aggression. Her ascension to the interim presidency follows a period of intense political instability in Venezuela, exacerbated by economic hardship and contested elections.

Trump has expressed support for Rodríguez over María Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela's opposition, citing a perceived lack of domestic support for Machado to effectively govern. This decision reflects a complex calculation of political realities on the ground, according to analysts.

The United States has had a long and complicated relationship with Venezuela, marked by periods of cooperation and conflict. The recent ouster of Maduro followed years of sanctions and diplomatic pressure from the U.S., aimed at promoting democratic reforms and addressing human rights concerns. The future of U.S. involvement remains uncertain, but Trump's statements suggest a continued commitment to shaping the political landscape in Venezuela. The situation in Caracas remains fluid, with the newly appointed interim government facing significant challenges in stabilizing the country and addressing the needs of its citizens. The international community is closely watching developments as Venezuela navigates this transition period.