Venezuela's Interim President Tells U.S. Journalist That Maduro And His Wife 'Are Both Innocent'

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez said former authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are innocent and their imprisonment in the U.S. is unjustified.

Speaking to NBC News' Kristen Welker in Caracas, Rodriguez said "Maduro is the legitimate president" and "both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent."

However, a recent report by The New York Times noted that allies of Maduro are stunned at Rodriguez's grip on power following his capture by U.S. forces.

The outlet detailed that the recent detention of alleged Maduro frontman Alex Saab illustrates the changing political landscape in Venezuela. Rodriguez has also fired several officials considered to be loyal to Maduro and reduced his family's access to power and government contracts.

Asked whether her administration is under U.S. tutelage, she said: "I can tell you I am in charge of the presidency of Venezuela, as it's stated clearly in the constitution of Venezuela. And from the amount of work that I have, from how busy I am, I can tell you it's very, very hard work and we're doing it completely day by day."

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright also spoke with NBC News in the context of his visit to the country. He said that while "the Venezuelans are in charge here in Venezuela, but the United States has enormous leverage over the interim authorities in Venezuela."

"The largest revenue source that funds the government, that funds the government of Venezuela is now controlled by the United States," he added.

"If they're driving positive change that benefits Americans and is improving the life opportunities of people in Venezuela, that money will flow. If they steer off that path, we have just simply tremendous leverage."

Elsewhere in the interview, Rodriguez said she has been invited to the U.S. and her administration is "contemplating coming there once we establish this cooperation and we can move forward with everything."