Mike Baker

Intelligence reporting suggests she lacks the deep connections to the security services and oil industry needed to govern right now, even though she remains popular with Venezuelans and well-regarded inside the White House.

All of this unfolded against the backdrop of yesterday's story, when Rodriguez publicly rebuked Washington, saying she had, quote, had enough of U.S.

intervention.

That statement added to the sense that her cooperation may be conditional and fragile.

Which brings us to the second part of this story.

On Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has now made the administration's position unmistakably clear.

In testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio warned that the U.S.

is prepared to take further military action if Venezuela's interim leadership strays from U.S.

expectations.

While he emphasized that the US is not at war with Venezuela and that there are no American troops on the ground, he also made clear that force remains on the table if cooperation breaks down.

In his testimony, Rubio outlined Washington's objectives, including opening Venezuela's energy sector to US companies, ending subsidized oil exports to Cuba, directing oil revenues toward the purchase of American goods, and dismantling networks tied to narco-trafficking and sanctioned actors.

Rubio also said that Rodriguez understands the stakes, saying she is, quote, well aware of Maduro's fate and that her own self-interest aligns with advancing U.S.

objectives.

That warning comes as the administration continues to normalize ties with Caracas, including notifying Congress this week of plans to send additional personnel to prepare for reopening the U.S.

embassy.

Rodriguez, for her part, says communications channels with Washington are, quote, respectful and courteous, even as intelligence officials remain wary.

The question that remains is whether Delcy Rodriguez is genuinely charting a new course for Venezuela or simply buying time.

Coming up next, bad news for Moscow as 14 European countries announce coordinated action to disrupt tankers accused of violating sanctions and maritime rules.

I'll be right back.

Hey, Mike Baker here.