On January 3rd, Nicolás Maduro, head of the Venezuelan regime, was captured by the government of Donald Trump, an event that reverberated globally and led to the designation of Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s interim president.
Delcy Rodríguez’s Reported Offer of Cooperation
Newly reported information from The Guardian indicates that Rodríguez allegedly promised to cooperate with the U.S. government following Maduro’s capture. This followed earlier communication between U.S. officials and Rodríguez, then Maduro’s vice president, which began as early as 2025.
According to The Guardian, communication continued between the Trump administration and Rodríguez after the November 2025 call. A U.S. source stated that Rodríguez communicated a willingness to facilitate a transition, saying, “Delcy was communicating that ‘Maduro has to go.’” Another source familiar with the messages reported Rodríguez stating, “’I will take care of whatever comes next.’”
Reports from the Miami Herald in October indicated that Rodríguez had been actively or passively conspiring for Maduro’s downfall, potentially driven by her own ambitions. Her established relationships within the U.S. oil sector were also reportedly seen as a potential asset for future negotiations.
Trump’s Rationale for Supporting Rodríguez
President Trump recently explained his support for Rodríguez over María Corina Machado, using a historical analogy referencing the Middle East. “If you ever remember a place called Iraq where they fired everybody—the police, the generals, everybody—and they ended up being ISIS… Well, I remember,” Trump stated.
This statement suggests Trump fears a radical change in leadership without a stable institutional structure could create a dangerous power vacuum, mirroring the instability experienced in Iraq following the U.S. intervention.
Despite these strategic considerations, Trump described a recent meeting with Machado. During the meeting, Machado presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. “She said, ‘You have ended eight wars, and nobody in history deserves this award more than you,’” Trump relayed to reporters.
While acknowledging Machado as a “very good woman” and noting a mutual respect, Trump’s comments contrast with previous statements suggesting Machado “lacked the respect of her people necessary to unify and lead the South American nation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nicolás Maduro captured?
According to the information provided, Nicolás Maduro was captured on January 3rd.
What role did Delcy Rodríguez play following Maduro’s capture?
Delcy Rodríguez was designated as Venezuela’s interim president following Maduro’s capture, and reportedly offered cooperation to the U.S. government.
What was President Trump’s reasoning for supporting Delcy Rodríguez?
President Trump suggested that a radical change in leadership without a stable institutional structure could lead to chaos, drawing a comparison to the situation in Iraq.
Given the recent developments, what challenges and opportunities might lie ahead as Venezuela navigates this period of political transition?
