In a social media post on January 6, 2026, U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) directly addressed Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez, dismissing her legitimacy and cautioning her against actions that contradict U.S. interests. Scott’s message, shared on X, underscores ongoing tensions in U.S.-Venezuela relations following the recent capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The post reads: “Delcy Rodríguez is NOT the president of Venezuela—she is simply another corrupt leader of the Maduro regime. She would do well to remember that any steps she takes outside of the United States’ wishes will result in the same fate as her former partner in crime, Maduro.” This statement frames Rodríguez as an extension of the corrupt Maduro regime rather than a legitimate leader, while invoking Maduro’s downfall as a potential consequence for non-compliance.
Scott’s warning references the U.S. military’s capture of Maduro on drug trafficking charges, an event announced by President Donald Trump just three days earlier on January 3, 2026. The operation has drawn sharp international criticism, with many labeling it an “abduction” rather than a lawful arrest. Scott, however, portrays it as a necessary step toward accountability for corruption within the Venezuelan leadership.
In the wake of Maduro’s capture, Rodríguez—who previously served as his vice president—has undergone a notable shift in stance. Initially critical of the U.S. action, she has since pivoted to expressing commitments to cooperation with the United States. This change occurs against a backdrop of domestic unrest in Venezuela, including arrests of regime opponents who publicly celebrated Maduro’s ousting.
Scott’s comments carry particular weight given his influence within Florida’s substantial Venezuelan-American community, which plays a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America. As a prominent Republican voice on international issues, his post amplifies the U.S. government’s hardline approach to the Venezuelan crisis, emphasizing enforcement of American priorities in the region.
