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Trump Downplays Acting Venezuelan Leader's Comments on Maduro
Rodríguez says Maduro is still the legitimate president, but Trump says she "probably has to say that" politically.
Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:47pm
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President Donald Trump dismissed comments made by acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, who stated in an NBC News interview that Nicolás Maduro is still the legitimate leader of Venezuela. Trump said Rodríguez "probably has to say that" for political reasons, despite the U.S. capturing Maduro in a surprise raid last month and indicting him on narco-terrorism charges.
Why it matters
The U.S. has been in a long-running political and economic dispute with Venezuela over Maduro's leadership. Trump's comments suggest he sees Rodríguez's statement as more of a political necessity than a reflection of the reality on the ground, as the U.S. has recognized the opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the rightful president of Venezuela.
The details
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Rodríguez stated that Maduro is the legitimate president of Venezuela. However, Trump downplayed this, saying Rodríguez "probably has to say that" for political reasons. The U.S. captured Maduro in a surprise raid last month and indicted him on narco-terrorism charges, which he has pleaded not guilty to in federal court in New York.
- Maduro and his wife were indicted on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges just days after their capture in early February 2026.
- Rodríguez made the comments about Maduro's legitimacy in an interview with NBC News last week.
The players
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States who downplayed the acting Venezuelan leader's comments about Nicolás Maduro being the legitimate president.
Delcy Rodríguez
The acting president of Venezuela who stated in an NBC News interview that Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president.
Nicolás Maduro
The former president of Venezuela who was captured in a surprise U.S. raid and indicted on narco-terrorism charges.
What they’re saying
“I think she probably has to say that. I think politically, maybe she has to say that.”
— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President
“I can tell you President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president. I will tell you this as a lawyer, that I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent.”
— Delcy Rodríguez, Acting President of Venezuela
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela over the legitimacy of Maduro's leadership. While the U.S. has recognized the opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the rightful president, Maduro still maintains support from some within Venezuela, as evidenced by Rodríguez's comments. The capture of Maduro and his indictment on narco-terrorism charges further complicates the political situation.
