Trump Downplays Maduro's Legitimacy Claims After Arrest

U.S. President says Delcy Rodríguez likely has to assert Maduro's legitimacy for political reasons.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 5:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed recent comments by Venezuela's acting leader, Delcy Rodríguez, asserting that Nicolás Maduro remains the country's legitimate president despite being captured in a U.S. military operation. Trump suggested Rodríguez's statement was politically motivated, saying "I think she probably has to say that. I think politically, maybe she has to say that." The remarks came after Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested in Caracas earlier this month and transported to New York to face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy.

Why it matters

The capture of Maduro and the subsequent installation of Rodríguez as acting president have created a complex geopolitical situation with far-reaching consequences. Trump's dismissal of Rodríguez's claims about Maduro's legitimacy underscores the U.S. administration's firm stance on the situation and its expectations for the new Venezuelan leadership.

The details

Rodríguez made the assertion that Maduro remains the legitimate president in an exclusive interview with NBC News last week. Trump responded by suggesting it was a politically necessary statement, saying "I think she probably has to say that. I think politically, maybe she has to say that." The U.S. has accused Maduro of running a narco-terrorist regime, a claim he denies. Maduro and Flores were arrested in a U.S. military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026 and transported to New York, where they have pleaded not guilty in federal court.

  • Maduro and Flores were arrested in a U.S. military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026.
  • Rodríguez made the assertion that Maduro remains the legitimate president in an exclusive interview with NBC News last week.
  • Trump responded to Rodríguez's statement aboard Air Force One on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Delcy Rodríguez

The acting leader of Venezuela who asserted that Nicolás Maduro remains the country's legitimate president.

Nicolás Maduro

The former president of Venezuela who was captured in a U.S. military operation and faces charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy.

Cilia Flores

The wife of Nicolás Maduro who was also captured in the U.S. military operation.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who has insisted the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I can tell you President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president. I tell you this as a lawyer that I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent, according to the report.”

— Delcy Rodríguez, Acting leader of Venezuela

“I think she probably has to say that. I think politically, maybe she has to say that.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

Rodríguez is scheduled to be sworn in as president in Caracas on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 12:00 GMT, backed by Venezuela's Supreme Court and the military. The ongoing legal proceedings against Maduro and Flores in New York will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of Venezuela and its relationship with the United States.

The takeaway

Trump's dismissal of Rodríguez's claims about Maduro's legitimacy underscores the U.S. administration's firm stance on the situation in Venezuela and its expectations for the new leadership. The capture of Maduro and the subsequent political transition have created a complex geopolitical landscape with significant implications for the region and U.S.-Venezuela relations.