Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has publicly rejected a viral post by US President Donald Trump that falsely claimed he was the “acting president of Venezuela.” Speaking in Caracas, Rodríguez reaffirmed Venezuela’s sovereignty, insisting that the country continues to be governed by its institutions and organised popular movements, even as President Nicolas Maduro remains detained in the United States. The dispute unfolds amid a fragile thaw in US–Venezuela relations, with Washington signalling openness to renewed diplomacy and the possible reopening of embassies. As Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warns against foreign interference, protests erupt across Caracas demanding Maduro’s return, while anger intensifies over US airstrikes that damaged Venezuela’s top scientific research institute. With diplomacy restarting, protests growing louder, and investigations into January’s strikes still underway, Venezuela stands at a volatile crossroads — caught between engagement and escalation.