For years in Venezuela, a common quip held that the United States was behind power outages, preparing to intervene and remove the president. This oft-repeated joke now reflects a reality: a leadership change spurred by U.S. military strikes on January 3rd, resulting in the removal of authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro to face federal charges in the U.S.
A Surprising Transition
The news of Mr. Maduro’s ouster was met with celebration among the Venezuelan diaspora, from Madrid to Mexico City. However, the response within Venezuela was more subdued, as government repression reportedly increased following his capture. Even critics of Mr. Maduro expressed a growing fear that the country could continue to experience political repression, shortages, and human rights abuses despite the change in leadership.
In a surprising turn, Vice President and oil minister Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president on January 3rd, a move dictated by the Venezuelan Constitution. She received backing from the U.S. president, who stated she was “essentially willing to do what we think is necessary.” Ms. Rodríguez, who previously labeled the U.S. administration “extremists,” quickly shifted her position, offering collaboration with the U.S. government.
“Putting Delcy [Rodríguez] in charge is … just more of the same,” said F.B., a retired teacher in Caracas, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns. “Ms. Rodríguez played a part in getting our country to where it is today… Venezuela is destroyed.”
A Familiar Face in Power
Venezuela’s opposition, which briefly held a majority in the National Assembly in 2015, has long sought to challenge the ruling government. They boycotted elections in 2017 and 2020, and in 2019, declared a separate “legitimate” president recognized by the U.S. and other international powers. In July 2024, Venezuelans overwhelmingly voted for opposition candidate Edmundo González, a surrogate for Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, who was barred from running. However, Mr. Maduro claimed victory without proof and began a third consecutive term.
Over the past year and a half, some Venezuelans believed outside military support was necessary to resolve the country’s situation, anticipating the “rightful” winner of the 2024 election would lead the nation.
The “Tigress” Takes Charge
Ms. Rodríguez, who studied labor law in Caracas, grew up during the Cold War. Her father, a Marxist guerrilla, was allegedly tortured and killed by Venezuelan police in the 1970s. She became a staunch defender of the government, earning the nickname “tigress” from Mr. Maduro, and served as vice president since 2018.
“There’s a certain satisfaction with Maduro’s detention, but we know this just cut off one of Hydra’s heads,” said A.V., a history professor in Caracas. He suggested the U.S. and Venezuela, under Ms. Rodríguez, would “maintain the illusion of following Venezuela’s Constitution, but in reality it’s just a change in CEO, the arrival of new investors.”
The security situation in Venezuela has reportedly worsened, with armed civilian gangs loyal to Chavismo establishing checkpoints in Caracas to monitor citizens’ phones for signs of support for Mr. Maduro’s capture. The Central Intelligence Agency reportedly advised Mr. Trump that relying on members of Mr. Maduro’s regime was the best way to maintain stability after his removal.
Foreign journalists have been detained, though many have since been released. On Thursday, the president of the National Assembly, Ms. Rodríguez’s brother, announced the release of “an important number” of political prisoners, estimated between 800 and 1,000 by local groups.
What Lies Ahead?
The U.S. has not yet publicly demanded the release of political prisoners or an end to public intimidation and repression in Venezuela. However, according to David Smilde, a Venezuela expert at Tulane University, President Trump’s focus has always been on Venezuela as a source of crime, violence, drugs, and immigrants, as well as its oil resources.
The opposition, led by Ms. Machado, previously focused on national security and economic opportunities to encourage U.S. military action, but Dr. Smilde anticipates a shift in approach now that their hopes of leading Venezuela have been dashed.
“This transition couldn’t have begun without the U.S. pulling Maduro out of the country. That’s enough for many in the diaspora,” said Silvia Pedraza, a professor at the University of Michigan. “Finally, it’s all over,” said Sergio Rodríguez, a Venezuelan who fled to Miami in 2017.
However, for those remaining in Venezuela, the situation remains uncertain.
“It’s those left inside Venezuela who we should be listening to now, because they’ve suffered the most,” said Dr. Pedraza.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela?
U.S. military strikes on January 3rd led to the removal of Nicolás Maduro, who was then taken into U.S. custody to face federal charges.
Who is now leading Venezuela?
Delcy Rodríguez, formerly the Vice President and oil minister, was sworn in as interim president on January 3rd, with the backing of the U.S. president.
What is the reaction within Venezuela to the change in leadership?
The response inside Venezuela has been more muted than among the diaspora, with increased government repression and fear that the country may continue to face similar challenges under Ms. Rodríguez’s leadership.
What role will the Venezuelan diaspora play in the country’s future?
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