Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has sharply criticised the United States, saying allegations over drug trafficking, democratic failures, and human rights abuses were “falsehoods” and merely a pretext for Washington’s pursuit of Venezuelan oil.
Speaking on state television, Rodríguez said the “energy greed of the North” sought to control her country’s rich energy resources and that accusations against Caracas were little more than “excuses” for this aim.
Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez: “Those who excluded themselves from Venezuela are those who participated in aggressions against us. Venezuela is not at war. We are a country of peace attacked by a nuclear power. Our markets remain open to the entire world.” pic.twitter.com/5GtsURpPlO
— COMBATE | (@upholdreality) January 8, 2026
Addressing strained ties with the United States, Rodríguez acknowledged an unprecedented rupture in bilateral relations, describing it as “a stain on our relations such as had never occurred in our history.” She stressed Venezuela’s openness to energy partnerships that “benefit all parties” through clearly defined commercial agreements, while also calling for political unity at home.
Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez: “All the lies about ‘drug trafficking’, ‘democracy’, ‘human rights’. They were the excuses. It was always about the oil.” pic.twitter.com/800sdOy6lu
— COMBATE (@upholdreality) January 8, 2026
Rodríguez announced plans for a bill to promote national stability and urged all political forces to work together to counter “extremist or fascist social, political, and economic expressions,” which she warned posed serious risks to the republic.
Her remarks came amid a significant shift in Caracas-Washington relations.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump said Venezuela had agreed to channel revenue from a new oil agreement into purchases of American‑made goods. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said Caracas would use the funds to buy “ONLY American Made Products,” including agricultural produce, medicines, medical devices and equipment to upgrade Venezuela’s electric grid and energy facilities.
Trump described the arrangement as beneficial to both nations, asserting that Venezuela was committing to the United States as its “principal partner” under the pact.
The unfolding situation comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions following a series of recent developments in the region. Details of these have continued to dominate international coverage.
If you want, I can also provide a timeline of events leading up to this latest exchange or analysis of the geopolitical implications of the oil deal.
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