Venezuela's new leader is the oil industry's long-time ally.

Trump publicly endorsed Delcy Rodríguez and she was sworn in as acting president; U.S. officials said they will monitor her actions and referenced using an oil blockade as leverage.

Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president after receiving a public endorsement from Trump. U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio said officials plan to use an oil blockade and regional presence as leverage and will watch Rodríguez's actions more than her rhetoric. Rodríguez previously served as oil minister and has longstanding contacts with international energy companies and creditors. Key developments: - Trump publicly endorsed Delcy Rodríguez to lead Venezuela. - Marco Rubio said the U.S. will use an oil blockade and regional military presence as part of its policy and will monitor Rodríguez's actions. - Rodríguez was sworn in by the National Assembly as acting president and previously served as oil minister with ties to international energy firms and creditors. - The article mentions energy companies and bondholders pressing for a swift easing of sanctions to restore Venezuelan oil production. Summary: Rodríguez's accession changes the immediate political and energy landscape because of her oil-sector ties. How international sanctions and U.S. policy will evolve in practice is undetermined at this time.