DID Press: Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State under President Donald Trump, sharply criticized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying Washington had offered “generous proposals” to avert the crisis, but Maduro rejected them and “behaved like a wild man.” The remarks come as many observers argue the U.S. response reflects a return to “Wild West” tactics in American foreign policy.
Speaking to reporters early today, Rubio accused Maduro of ignoring multiple warnings and opportunities presented by the United States. He said Maduro had “several chances” to avoid the current situation but chose confrontation with Washington instead.
According to CBS News, Rubio claimed: “We made several very generous offers to Maduro, but he chose to act like a wild man. He could have been living elsewhere under better conditions today, but he decided to play the strongman — and now he faces the consequences.”
Rubio also stated that the Trump administration intends to oversee Venezuela’s affairs for a period of time. “President Trump will set the parameters for managing Venezuela, and we will control what happens next in the country,” he said.
Earlier, Trump announced the formation of a special task force to run Venezuela “until a safe and orderly transition takes place,” adding: “We cannot allow someone who does not represent the interests of the Venezuelan people to control the country.”
The U.S. operation against Venezuela and the detention of its president have been widely condemned by governments around the world as a blatant violation of international law and a breach of fundamental global norms.
Many analysts and social media users say the conduct of the Trump administration represents a harsh, unilateral approach that — at the outset of 2026 — has become symbolic of a renewed “Wild West” mentality in international politics.