Trump Says He Left Maduro Regime in Place to Avoid Repeat of Iraq

The president warned that a power vacuum could create more problems, pointing to historical examples as a cautionary tale.
Trump Says He Left Maduro Regime in Place to Avoid Repeat of Iraq
President Donald Trump speaks during the "Great, Historic Investment in Rural Health Roundtable" in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 16, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
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WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump told reporters while departing the White House on Jan. 16 that he is working with interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez rather than aligning with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado because he wants to maintain stability in the region.

He said his decision was based on a desire to avoid a power vacuum that might emerge if the entire regime was swiftly dismantled, noting the challenges faced in Iraq after American forces invaded.

Travis Gillmore
Travis Gillmore
Author
Travis Gillmore is a White House reporter for The Epoch Times. He previously covered the California legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom. Contact him at [email protected]
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