Analysis: Why Trump chose Maduro's VP over Nobel winner

The Trump administration has chosen to engage with Delcy Rodríguez, the vice president of Venezuela, over Juan Guaidó, the opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize nominee. This decision is likely driven by the administration's desire to negotiate directly with the Maduro regime, despite its authoritarian nature. Rodríguez, a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro, has been sanctioned by the United States for her role in undermining democracy and human rights in Venezuela. However, the Trump administration sees her as a potential conduit for negotiations, as she has the ear of Maduro and can potentially influence him. The decision to engage with Rodríguez over Guaidó, who has been recognized by over 50 countries as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, reflects the administration's pragmatic approach to foreign policy. It also highlights the complex and fluid nature of the political situation in Venezuela, where the pursuit of a negotiated solution may take precedence over support for the democratic opposition.