In the wake of Nicolás Maduro’s capture, attention has turned to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as a central figure in Venezuela’s shifting power dynamics. Reports indicate Donald Trump’s administration has taken steps to remove Maduro from power amid reported explosions in Caracas.
Currently, 56-year-old Rodríguez is leading the country. The Venezuelan Supreme Court declared Maduro’s “temporary absence” on Friday and ordered Rodríguez to assume the presidency, citing the leader’s “forced absence.” According to Article 234 of the Venezuelan Constitution, the Vice President will fulfill the presidential duties for up to 90 days, a period potentially extendable by another 90 days through a decision by the National Assembly. Brazil has already recognized Rodríguez as Venezuela’s leader in Maduro’s absence.
“Delcy is the key,” a source familiar with the internal situation in Venezuela stated. “She is intelligent and will be prudent.” The situation remains fluid, marked by conflicting information and the potential for misinformation. While the coming days—and even hours—are uncertain, it is widely believed that Venezuela’s future will be shaped by Rodríguez’s actions.
President Trump stated that opposition leader María Corina Machado lacked the “respect” and support necessary to lead during this critical moment. He also revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a “long conversation” with Rodríguez, during which she reportedly placed herself at Washington’s disposal. Trump suggested she “had no choice.”
Rodríguez, however, publicly asserted that Venezuela will not become a colony and that Nicolás Maduro remains the sole president. She is navigating a delicate path between public displays of resolve and unseen negotiations, positioned between the potential continuation of the Chavista regime and its end after nearly three decades in power.
Analysts suggest Rodríguez may be uniquely positioned to survive a U.S.-supervised transition, unlike other members of the government. A source in Caracas indicated that Trump’s primary objective at this stage is Maduro’s removal, not a wider conflict that could lead to civil war. The expectation is that the U.S. will attempt to stabilize the situation under Rodríguez’s leadership, viewing her as both a committed Chavista and a pragmatic negotiator, potentially paving the way for a future transition.
Renata Segura, director of the Program for Latin America and the Caribbean at International Crisis Group, noted that Trump’s statements indicated that removing Maduro from power was not Washington’s ultimate goal. Segura stated that the announcement of U.S. control over Venezuela’s oil industry signals a long-term intention to remain involved in the country. The coming hours will be crucial in determining whether Rodríguez or other members of the Chavista movement will remain in power through an agreement with Washington, and whether internal fractures will emerge within the regime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delcy Rodríguez’s current role?
Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the presidency of Venezuela following the Venezuelan Supreme Court’s declaration of Nicolás Maduro’s “temporary absence.”
What was Donald Trump’s stated reason for speaking with Delcy Rodríguez?
Donald Trump stated that his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had a “long conversation” with Rodríguez, and that she placed herself at Washington’s disposal.
What is the maximum length of time Delcy Rodríguez can serve as president under the Venezuelan Constitution?
The Venezuelan Constitution, according to Article 234, allows the Vice President to fulfill presidential duties for up to 90 days, a period potentially extendable by another 90 days by decision of the National Assembly.
As Venezuela enters this period of uncertainty, what role will internal divisions and external pressures play in shaping the country’s future?
