In a shocking revelation, Venezuela's political landscape was rocked by the actions of Delcy Rodríguez, who secretly pledged cooperation with the US government before the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. But was this a betrayal or a strategic move?
The Guardian's sources reveal that Rodríguez, along with her influential brother Jorge, secretly assured US and Qatari officials of their willingness to cooperate once Maduro was removed from power. This assurance came before the US military's operation to capture Maduro, which took place earlier this month. The sources claim that the discussions began in the fall and continued after a pivotal phone call between Trump and Maduro in late November, where Trump demanded Maduro's departure, only to be rejected.
And here's where it gets intriguing: Delcy Rodríguez, then Maduro's vice-president, conveyed a message to the US government: 'Maduro needs to go.' She even expressed her readiness to work with the aftermath, whatever it may be. This is a crucial detail, as it suggests a potential power play within the Venezuelan government.
A Controversial Alliance: Trump's secretary of state and national security adviser, Marco Rubio, initially skeptical, eventually saw Delcy Rodríguez's promises as a means to prevent chaos. The Rodríguez siblings' pledge of cooperation has not been publicly known until now. Interestingly, the Miami Herald reported on similar negotiations in October, where Delcy offered to lead a transitional government if Maduro resigned.
But there's a twist: Reuters revealed that Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's powerful interior minister, was also in talks with the US months before the Maduro operation. The sources clarify that while the Rodríguez family agreed to assist the US post-Maduro, they did not commit to actively aiding in his overthrow. This distinction is vital, as it suggests a nuanced approach to regime change.
Trump seemed to confirm these discussions, stating that Delcy Rodríguez was on board. However, when the operation took place, she was nowhere to be found, sparking rumors of her escape to Moscow. But sources claim she was on Margarita Island, a Venezuelan resort.
A Complex Web: Official talks between Trump officials and the Maduro-led government were ongoing, including a meeting with Ric Grenell, a top Trump aide, to discuss and successfully secure the release of US prisoners. Key Trump aides frequently engaged with Jorge and Delcy Rodríguez to coordinate various issues, such as flights for deported Venezuelans. Delcy Rodríguez's personal connections with Qatar, a US ally, also played a role, as they provided her with a luxury jet and facilitated secret negotiations.
The Miami Herald's report, which Rodríguez vehemently denied, portrayed her as a complex figure, willing to propose a transition government led by herself. Those close to her describe a charismatic leader with unique quirks, such as her love for champagne and ping-pong. This multifaceted personality may have contributed to her ability to navigate these delicate political waters.
So, was Delcy Rodríguez a traitor or a pragmatic leader? Did she genuinely fear Maduro, or was it a calculated move? These questions remain open for interpretation, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of Venezuelan politics and the behind-the-scenes negotiations that shape global events.
