Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s acting leader on January 4, 2026, marking a major change in Venezuela’s political landscape following Nicolás Maduro’s sudden removal from power. The appointment has heightened tensions internationally, specifically between the United States and Venezuela, because the U.S. was involved directly in Maduro’s arrest.
Delcy Rodríguez was next in line to assume the presidency.
Delcy Rodríguez, who had been serving as Vice-President of Venezuela since 2018, was the next in line to assume the presidency of Venezuela, according to the constitution of Venezuela. Following the order of the Supreme Court to assume the position of the presidency for a 90-day interim term following Maduro’s arrest in a U.S.-led military operation in Caracas, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López confirmed that the Venezuelan Military would recognize Rodríguez as the temporary Head of State, calling upon Venezuelans to “resume their daily routines” and stating that “the homeland has to continue along the path of the constitution.”
Rodríguez has long been a vital member within Maduro’s administration, directing both the oil-dependent economy of Venezuela and the Intelligence Services of Venezuela. The appointment of Rodríguez to the presidency represents the continued dominance of the ruling party of Venezuela — but under entirely different circumstances than before.
Maduro and his wife face sentencing in New York after being removed from power.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were moved to New York — where they are being charged in Federal court with crimes related to drug trafficking and ties to organized crime groups — as a result of the U.S.-led military operation that led to Maduro’s removal. Officials in Venezuela have characterized the raid that removed Maduro from power as an “unlawful kidnapping” and an affront to national sovereignty.
In a televised speech, Rodríguez condemned the operation as “barbarous” and demanded Maduro’s immediate release. While condemning the actions of the U.S., Rodríguez left room for the possibility of dialogue with Washington — stating that “we are willing to have respect-based relations,” and that any cooperation should be “mutually recognized,” and not coerced.
President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. is cautiously engaging with Rodríguez.
In a statement, Trump declared that the U.S. has contacted Rodríguez and suggested that she is
“willing to do whatever we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the situation as “complicated and delicate,” and noted that while Maduro was seen as someone who could never be worked with, Rodríguez represented a potential opportunity for negotiations.
Latin America has a divided reaction to Maduro’s removal from office.
While many countries in Latin America have reacted to the events that transpired in Venezuela with caution, regional governments remain divided, with some praising Maduro’s removal and others warning of increasing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. Allies of Venezuela — including Russia and China — have publicly denounced the U.S. intervention, labeling it as a breach of international law.
When Rodríguez assumes the duties of the presidency, she will inherit a nation that is struggling to overcome its deepening economic crisis — marked by hyperinflation and severe shortages of food and medicine. Additionally, public confidence in the Venezuelan government continues to be fragile, and opposition groups have called for free elections to establish legitimate authority.
This transition represents one of the largest changes to have occurred in Venezuela in recent years. For those who support the current ruling party in Venezuela, the appointment of Rodríguez as temporary Head of State signifies continuity and resistance to the pressure being applied by foreign powers. For opponents of the ruling party, this appointment brings up concerns regarding whether Venezuela can begin to develop towards democracy or if the temporary government will merely serve to preserve the status quo.
As Rodríguez begins her tenure as Head of State, Venezuela now sits at a crossroads — internally addressing major concerns, while simultaneously dealing with increasing pressures externally. The coming months will demonstrate whether Rodríguez will be able to stabilize the country or further isolate it politically.
