Venezuela’s military has officially recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the acting leader of the country following the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces on March 2, 2024. This decision was announced by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who endorsed a ruling from the Supreme Court that appointed Rodriguez as interim president for a duration of 90 days.
Rodriguez, who has served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018, is next in the presidential line of succession. Her responsibilities have included oversight of Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy as well as management of its intelligence service. The Supreme Court’s directive came in response to the military operation that resulted in Maduro’s removal from Caracas.
In a statement, President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. government had been in contact with Rodriguez, indicating her willingness to engage with U.S. interests. He stated, “She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.” It is worth noting that Rodriguez faced U.S. sanctions during Trump’s first term due to her involvement in actions that undermined Venezuelan democracy.
Rodriguez characterized the U.S. military operation as “barbaric” and referred to the capture of Maduro as an “illegal and illegitimate kidnapping.” During a televised address, she condemned the actions of the U.S., asserting that they constitute an infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty. She called for the “immediate release” of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, while expressing a willingness to open dialogue with the U.S.
The political landscape has grown increasingly complex following Maduro’s capture. Rodriguez attempted to reassure supporters of the ruling party, stating, “Here, we have a government with clarity.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful relations with the U.S. government, reflecting a potential shift in diplomatic tone.
Amid escalating tensions, Trump issued a warning directed at Rodriguez, suggesting that if she does not align with U.S. expectations, she “is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ongoing discussions with Rodriguez and the Venezuelan government as “delicate and complicated,” stressing the need for mature statesmanship.
The operation that led to Maduro’s capture has been met with mixed reactions within Venezuela. Padrino Lopez reported that some of Maduro’s bodyguards were killed during the U.S. raid, although he did not provide specific casualty figures. The Venezuelan government has yet to release an official toll for the operation.
On Sunday, March 3, Maduro and Flores arrived in New York, where they are expected to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and associations with gangs labeled as terrorist organizations. Maduro has denied these allegations. A video circulating on social media depicted Maduro smiling as he was escorted by two agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, a stark contrast to the chaotic events in Venezuela.
Padrino Lopez further urged Venezuelans to return to their daily activities, stating, “The homeland must follow its constitutional course.” As the country navigates this critical juncture, the international community watches closely, anticipating the implications of this power shift on Venezuela’s future.
