In an interview for a conservative tabloid, Trump explained his words from the press conference during which he suggested that US troops would be stationed in Venezuela to ensure the US rule in Venezuela announced by Trump. “No, if the vice president does what we want, we won't have to do it,” he said, referring to Maduro's deputy Delca Rodriguez.
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Will it be necessary to deploy American forces in Venezuela?
What did Delcy Rodriguez say on Venezuelan TV?
What kind of relationship does Venezuela want to have with the US?
How many Cubans died in the attack on Maduro?
“There is no support or respect”
Rodriguez herself appeared on Venezuelan television on Saturday, condemning the US actions, claiming that Nicolas Maduro remains the rightful president and demanding the return of the kidnapped leader to the country. At the same time, she declared that Venezuela wanted “respectful” relations with the US, declaring that it would not be anyone's colony.
Trump told NYP that Trump administration officials have had multiple conversations with Rodriguez and she “understands” the situation. However, he declared that the US was ready to launch a second wave of strikes on Venezuela otherwise.
The US president's words indicate that he does not intend to overthrow the rest of the Maduro regime. Earlier, during the press conference, he suggested that he was not in favor of the opposition and its leader, Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado, taking power.
— It would be very difficult for her to become a leader. There is no support or respect in the country. “She's a very nice woman, but she lacks respect,” Trump said.
The US president also revealed for the first time that the Cubans protecting him died as a result of the attack on Maduro's “fortress”. — You know, many Cubans lost their lives last night. Did you know about it? Many Cubans lost their lives. They protected Maduro. “It was not a good move,” Trump said. However, he admitted that he did not know the exact death toll among the Cuban and Venezuelan armed forces.
