Delcy Rodríguez named acting president following Maduro’s capture

WISE NEWS PRESS / CARACAS, VENEZUELA — JANUARY 04, 2026

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has officially appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the nation’s acting president following the detention of Nicolás Maduro by United States special forces during a dramatic operation in Caracas.

The Constitutional Chamber of the High Court ruled late Saturday that Rodríguez will assume "all attributes, duties, and powers inherent to the office of President" to ensure administrative continuity and national defense. The court’s decision comes as the country reels from a massive U.S. military strike that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently flown to New York to face federal narco-terrorism charges.

Defiant response from the new leadership

In a televised address from the Miraflores Palace, Rodríguez struck a tone of fierce resistance, characterizing the U.S. operation as a "barbaric kidnapping" and a violation of international law. Flanked by high-ranking officials including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, she insisted that Maduro remains the "sole legitimate president" of Venezuela. "We will never be slaves again," Rodríguez declared, demanding the immediate release of the detained leader and his spouse.

The military’s pivotal role

Political analysts suggest that Rodríguez’s ability to maintain power depends heavily on the continued support of the Venezuelan armed forces. Historically, the military has held significant control over the nation’s economy, including ports and food distribution. The presence of Defense Minister Padrino López during Rodríguez’s speech signaled an initial show of unity among the civilian and military factions of the socialist government. However, experts warn that the internal power structure remains fragile in the wake of such a significant leadership decapitation.

Trump signals willingness to collaborate

Despite declaring that the U.S. would "run the country" during a transition period, President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential working relationship with Rodríguez. Speaking from Mar-a-Lago, Trump revealed that Rodríguez had already been in contact with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "She is essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again," Trump said, suggesting that Washington might utilize Rodríguez to facilitate a transition while avoiding a prolonged direct occupation.

Oil and economic reconstruction

A central component of the U.S. strategy involves the immediate involvement of American petroleum companies to rebuild Venezuela’s dilapidated oil infrastructure. Trump emphasized that the restoration of the sector would be financed by private investment, which he claims will offset the costs of the military mission. While Rodríguez publicly denounced the U.S. intervention, Washington appears to be banking on her pragmatic reputation to secure cooperation regarding the country’s vast energy reserves.

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