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Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim leader, must walk a tightrope
Summary
Delcy Rodríguez was confirmed as Venezuela's interim leader after US officials announced the capture of Nicolás Maduro; Maduro is in US custody and is due to face trial in the United States.
Content
Delcy Rodríguez has been confirmed as Venezuela's interim leader by the country's Supreme Court after US officials announced the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. She delivered a televised speech that condemned the seizure and affirmed Maduro as president. US leaders have said they expect Rodríguez to cooperate with American demands, and they have framed continued engagement around changes in how Venezuela's oil sector and other interests are handled. The report notes Rodríguez's long service in Maduro's government, including roles overseeing the economy and oil.
Current situation:
- US officials announced they captured President Nicolás Maduro and said he was taken to the United States to face charges.
- Maduro is being held in US custody in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center and is reported to be due to stand trial in the United States.
- Venezuela's Supreme Court confirmed Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader; she gave a televised address condemning Maduro's capture and asserting his presidency, as reported.
- US officials, including the president and other senior figures, stated publicly that they expect Rodríguez to work with the United States and that they will use diplomatic and economic leverage to set terms, especially regarding the oil industry.
Summary:
The immediate effect is that Venezuela is led, for now, by Delcy Rodríguez while Nicolás Maduro is in US custody and expected to face trial in the United States. How long Rodríguez remains in charge and how Venezuelan institutions and the military will respond to US expectations is undetermined at this time.
Sources
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Daily Mail Online1/4/2026, 5:25:14 PMOpen source →
Hardline socialist Delcy Rodriguez confirmed as Venezuela's new leader
Daily Mail Online1/4/2026, 2:34:07 PMOpen source →
Delcy Rodríguez strikes defiant tone but must walk tightrope as Venezuela's interim leader
The Guardian1/4/2026, 2:01:39 PMOpen source →
