In a striking turn of events, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim leader on Monday, coinciding with the presentation of deposed dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, before a judge in Manhattan, New York – some 3,300 kilometers away.
A Shifting Power Dynamic
The move comes after the Supreme Court urged Rodríguez to assume the role, a decision immediately recognized and supported by the Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana (FANB). Prior to this, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled a willingness to work with Rodríguez, but only if she met conditions set by Washington. Trump warned that failure to comply would result in consequences “probably greater than” those faced by Maduro, according to a conversation with The Atlantic.
According to reports in the Spanish newspaper ABC, this message from Trump was also intended to reassure Republican members of Congress aligned with opposition leader María Corina Machado and Edmundo González – the winner of the 2024 presidential election allegedly stolen by Maduro – who have been sidelined for the time being. Trump reportedly told lawmakers, “I will not tolerate delaying maneuvers or challenges to the framework imposed by the United States…”
A Pragmatic Approach
Secretary of State Rubio believes that, at present, transferring power to the opposition led by Machado is not feasible due to a lack of military support, a critical component of the Chavista regime for over 20 years. A European diplomatic source told EL TIEMPO that, “In the absence of an opposition plan to assume power that is credible to Washington, Rubio devised his own plan, in an exercise of political realism.”
European chancelleries, including those in France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom, received detailed information from the Department of State outlining the transition process, demands placed on Rodríguez and the Chavista leadership, and overall objectives. The source noted that Rubio is a more strategic actor than Trump, aligning more with previous Republican administrations.
The absence of Vice President J.D. Vance from a press conference alongside Trump and Rubio on Saturday was also noted, as Vance represents the “MAGA” wing of Trumpism and is a potential competitor to Rubio for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
The Path Forward
The Department of State has reportedly demanded that Caracas sever ties with Russia, Iran, and especially Cuba as a primary condition. Washington is also monitoring for continued oil shipments to Cuba and the removal of Cuban security personnel – 32 of whom reportedly died in the U.S. Delta Force raid on Maduro’s bunker. Regarding Iran, which has strong commercial ties with Venezuela, an immediate break in relations is also being sought, particularly given the ongoing protests and 52% inflation rate in Iran as of late 2025.
Furthermore, the U.S. is demanding Caracas distance itself from terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, as well as Colombian criminal groups such as the FARC and ELN dissidents, and dismantle drug trafficking routes. The U.S. reportedly has “dozens of spies and infiltrators” within Venezuela, as evidenced by Maduro’s capture.
A key element of Rubio’s plan involves opening positions within the military to officers not aligned with the Maduro regime, including exiled generals like Miguel Rodríguez Torres, who sought asylum in Spain in 2023. The plan also aims to restore Venezuela’s oil production to over 3 million barrels per day, with U.S. investment and eventual profit-sharing.
The goal is for Rodríguez to remain in power for 90 to 180 days while the country stabilizes and transparent elections can be organized, with no vetoes against opposition candidates and under strict international supervision.
Delcy Rodríguez’s Position
Rubio has reportedly proposed amnesty and even judicial immunity to Chavista officials who cooperate with Washington and provide information on international accomplices of Maduro, with potential assistance in securing asylum elsewhere. Diosdado Cabello is reportedly an exception, having publicly vowed retribution against those involved in Maduro’s capture.
Rubio justified engaging with Rodríguez by stating that negotiations with Maduro were impossible, as he “never respected agreements.” However, he offered no assurance that Rodríguez would be any more compliant. During her swearing-in, Rodríguez invoked both Maduro and Hugo Chávez, and referred to the pair’s detention in the U.S. as a “kidnapping.”
The success of Trump and Rubio’s plan remains uncertain. A recent editorial in the Spanish newspaper ABC cautioned that “Chavismo has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for mimicry,” suggesting the regime could feign reforms while maintaining control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez?
Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim leader following the capture and transfer of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to the United States.
What is the U.S. government’s current stance on working with Delcy Rodríguez?
The U.S. government, through President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio, has stated a willingness to work with Delcy Rodríguez, but only if she meets specific conditions set by Washington.
What are some of the conditions the U.S. is imposing on Venezuela?
The U.S. is demanding that Venezuela sever ties with Russia, Iran, and Cuba, break ties with terrorist organizations, and dismantle drug trafficking routes.
Given the complex political landscape and the history of maneuvering within the Chavista regime, what challenges might the U.S. face in achieving a stable and democratic transition in Venezuela?
