Foreign Affairs

Trump’s Endorsement of Delcy Rodríguez Reveals Confusing U.S. Venezuela Policy Amidst Chavista Ties

By Economics Desk | January 23, 2026

President Trump’s public praise for Delcy Rodríguez, a prominent chavista figure, raises serious questions about the coherence and true objectives of U.S. policy in Venezuela — exposing conflicting signals that undermine America’s pursuit of freedom and stability in the region.

In a perplexing twist to America's stance on Venezuela, President Donald Trump recently praised Delcy Rodríguez—a close associate of late socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro—as demonstrating "very strong leadership." This endorsement comes despite Rodríguez's entrenched position within Venezuela’s controversial chavista regime, which has long oppressed freedom and economic prosperity. While Trump also acknowledged dialogue with opposition leader María Corina Machado, whom he once dismissed for lacking sufficient domestic support, his backing of Rodríguez confuses the clear "America First" principle demanding unwavering support for true democratic forces abroad. How Does Supporting a Chavista Leader Protect American Interests? By endorsing Delcy Rodríguez's so-called...

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