Rodríguez publicly invites Trump to cooperate on development agenda On 5 January 2026, interim president Delcy Rodríguez posted that Venezuela seeks “respectful relations” with the United States and asked Washington to work together on a development program grounded in international law [1][2]. She framed the outreach as a shift from confrontation to dialogue after the removal of Nicolás Maduro. The invitation coincided with her call for the release of Maduro, whom she described as the country’s rightful leader [1].

Trump asserts U.S. control while Rubio limits involvement to oil sanctions President Donald Trump declared that the United States “will be in charge” following the operation that ousted Maduro [1][2]. Senator Marco Rubio clarified that Washington will enforce the existing oil‑quarantine on sanctioned tankers but will not assume day‑to‑day governance of Venezuela [1][2]. The policy aims to pressure policy changes through oil leverage rather than a prolonged nation‑building effort.

Justice Department indicts Maduro and his wife on narco‑terrorism charges A midnight raid extracted Nicolás Maduro and his spouse from their Caracas residence, after which the U.S. Justice Department filed a new indictment accusing them of participating in a narco‑terrorism conspiracy [1][2]. The indictment schedules Maduro’s first court appearance in Manhattan later this month. The charges underscore Washington’s strategy of targeting the former regime’s leadership while avoiding direct administrative control.

Cuban security forces suffer 32 fatalities during U.S. operation Cuba reported that 32 of its security officers were killed in the U.S. action, a casualty figure acknowledged by President Trump, who noted the high toll on the other side [1]. The deaths have intensified regional debate over the legality and humanitarian impact of the operation.

Caracas experiences quiet weekend; Maduro’s son absent and Assembly pending The capital saw unusually low public activity over the weekend, with ministers remaining in place and no appearance by Nicolás Ernesto Guerra, Maduro’s son, since the raid [1][2]. Venezuela’s incoming National Assembly is slated to be sworn in under ruling‑party control, indicating continuity of political structures despite the upheaval.