STORY: Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez said on Monday (January 12) the government reaffirms the country's 'sovereignty and independence', adding that she's the actual leader of the nation.

Comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump, shared on social media a fake Wikipedia profile of himself as the acting president of Venezuela.

Rodriguez spoke during the opening of the school season after the Christmas break and after the U.S. military intervention that ousted Nicolas Maduro.

Trump posted the fake Wikipedia profile on his platform Truth Social on Sunday (January 11), according to media reports.

Trump will meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Thursday (January 15), a White House official said on Monday.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: SOUNDBITES FROM VENEZUELAN INTERIM PRESIDENT, DELCY RODRIGUEZ

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: LA GUAIRA, VENEZUELA (JANUARY 12, 2026) (VTV – Access all)

1. VENEZUELAN ACTING PRESIDENT, DELCY RODRIGUEZ, DURING OPENING OF SCHOOL SEASON AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAK

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ACTING PRESIDENT, DELCY RODRIGUEZ, SAYING:

“Well, we ratify and reaffirm Venezuela’s sovereignty and independence. I’ve seen there around cartoons on Wikipedia asking who rules in Venezuela. Well, here there’s a government ruling in Venezuela, here there’s an acting president and a hostage president in the United States. We rule along with the organized people, along with the popular power and move forward in the international relations with respect for the international law to reclaim and protect the rights of our beloved Venezuela.”

3. RODRIGUEZ WITH STUDENTS

4. RODRIGUEZ DURING SEASON OPENING