Despite President Trump promoting Delcy Rodríguez as a key partner for Venezuela's stability, U.S. DEA records reveal she's been a 'priority target' since 2022, under investigation for drug trafficking, money laundering, and gold smuggling, exposing a complex and contradictory U.S. foreign policy.
President Donald Trump, after orchestrating the capture of Nicolás Maduro, publicly lauded Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president and now acting president, positioning her as America's preferred partner to stabilize Venezuela. However, an investigation by The Associated Press, based on obtained records and testimonies from U.S. law enforcement officials, uncovers a significant contradiction: Rodríguez has been a 'priority target' for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) since 2022. The DEA has maintained an intelligence file on her since at least 2018, detailing allegations of drug trafficking, gold smuggling, and money laundering, including using Caribbean hotels as fronts. She was also linked to Alex Saab, Maduro's alleged money launderer. Despite this extensive DEA interest and multiple ongoing investigations, Rodríguez has never been publicly accused of criminal wrongdoing by the U.S. government, nor is she among the Venezuelan officials charged alongside Maduro. Trump's recent praise and engagement with Rodríguez, even referring to her as a 'terrific person,' highlight a nuanced U.S. strategy aimed at securing American interests, including access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Experts suggest that Rodríguez's high-ranking position in Venezuela's 'criminal-hybrid regime' naturally makes her a target for investigation, providing the U.S. with substantial leverage. This leverage implies that Rodríguez might fear an indictment, similar to Maduro's, if she fails to comply with U.S. demands, underscoring the high stakes in the volatile post-Maduro landscape.
