Trump plans to work with Maduro loyalists indefinitely, says interim president ‘giving us everything’

Published January 8, 2026 7:21am ET



TRUMP: ‘THEY’RE TREATING U.S. WITH GREAT RESPECT’: In a wide-ranging, two-hour session with four New York Times reporters in the White House last night — during which the journalists were allowed to listen in on a phone call with President Gustavo Petro of Colombia — President Donald Trump made clear he is in no hurry to replace Venezuela’s current government comprised of regime holdovers and headed by Nicolas Maduro’s former vice president Delcy Rodríguez.

“They’re treating us with great respect. As you know, we’re getting along very well with the administration that is there right now,” Trump told the Times. “They’re giving us everything that we feel is necessary.”

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.