Following the dramatic capture of President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, has been confirmed as acting president by the country’s Supreme Court.
Rodriguez, a longstanding figure in Chavismo politics, immediately criticized the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s arrest, calling it an “atrocity that violates international law” and demanding his immediate release.
Despite Trump praising her as “quite gracious” in assuming the role, Rodriguez struck a defiant tone, urging Venezuelans to stay united in the face of foreign intervention.
“That brutal use of force to bend the will of the people can be carried out against any country,” she said during a National Defense Council session.
Rodriguez asserts Venezuelan independence
Rodriguez, who also oversees the country’s finance and oil sectors, signaled she would not automatically follow U.S. plans for a transition of power.
She told the nation: “Never again will we be slaves, never again will we be a colony of any empire. We’re ready to defend Venezuela.”
Her remarks have sent a strong message that she intends to maintain Maduro’s policies and safeguard Venezuela’s sovereignty, even amid growing U.S. pressure.
U.S. sets out demands for Venezuela’s oil
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid out America’s expectations regarding Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the largest in the world. Speaking to NBC’s Meet the Press, Rubio said the U.S. will not allow adversaries like China, Russia, or Iran to control Venezuelan oil.
Rubio stressed that securing the oil is part of protecting U.S. interests and reducing the influence of hostile actors in the Western Hemisphere.
He also highlighted ongoing U.S. military readiness, describing a “naval armada” positioned off Venezuelan shores capable of intercepting sanctioned shipments of oil.
Oil production pressures and storage concerns
Venezuela produces approximately 850,000 barrels of oil per day but is facing storage shortages, with only 20 million of its 35 million barrels of storage capacity currently usable.
Rubio indicated that the U.S. intends to ensure the oil moves efficiently, preventing adversaries from profiting from Venezuela’s resources.
Despite these pressures, Rodriguez reaffirmed her commitment to defending national control over resources and maintaining independence in decision-making.
Rodriguez’s political background
Delcy Rodriguez has been a central figure in Venezuelan politics for more than two decades, earning trust from both Hugo Chávez and Maduro.
Born in Caracas, she holds a law degree from the Central University of Venezuela and comes from a politically active family. Her father was a Marxist guerrilla, and her brother Jorge currently presides over the National Assembly.
She has held numerous key positions, including Minister of Communication and Information, Foreign Minister, and President of the Constituent National Assembly.
Rodriguez’s long-term loyalty to Maduro has made her a powerful operator within the government apparatus, commanding influence over the Ministry of Defense and other critical institutions.
Divisions and concerns over U.S. influence
Trump’s decision to work with Rodriguez rather than opposition figures, such as Nobel laureate Maria Machado, has sparked unease among Venezuelans. Analysts warn that her deep ties to Chavismo and Maduro may complicate any U.S.-led transition plans.
Former Colombian vice president Francisco Santos suggested Rodriguez may attempt to assert some independence but noted her historical allegiance to Maduro and the Chavista movement.
“She’s very clear about the role she’s going to play and she’s going to try to earn a little bit of independence,” he said.
U.S. military operation details
The U.S. military carried out an overnight raid on Caracas, deploying 150 aircraft to neutralize air defenses and deploy troops by helicopter.
The mission lasted approximately two hours and 20 minutes, resulting in 40 reported casualties, including military personnel and civilians.
Maduro and his wife were captured and transported to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center to face trial, while no U.S. soldiers were killed and only a handful were injured.
The Pentagon confirmed there are no U.S. ground forces in Venezuela, emphasizing that American operations were limited to air and naval support.
What’s next for Venezuela
Rodriguez now faces the challenge of leading a country under intense foreign scrutiny while balancing domestic loyalty and international pressure.
With Maduro in U.S. custody and American demands on Venezuela’s oil, the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads. The coming days will test Rodriguez’s leadership, the resilience of Venezuelan institutions, and the global balance of influence over the country’s critical resources.
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