Venezuela’s military has officially recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the acting leader of the country following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces on March 30, 2024. The decision came after a ruling from Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which appointed Rodriguez to serve as interim president for a period of 90 days. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez publicly endorsed this ruling, emphasizing the military’s support for the new leadership.
Rodriguez, who has held the position of vice president since 2018, has been a significant figure in Maduro’s administration, overseeing Venezuela’s economy, which is heavily reliant on oil, as well as the country’s intelligence services. In her new role, she faces the challenge of leading a nation in turmoil following Maduro’s controversial removal.
In a televised address, Rodriguez characterized the U.S. military operation that led to Maduro’s capture as “barbaric,” labeling it an “illegal and illegitimate kidnapping.” She condemned the actions as an infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty and demanded the “immediate release” of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Despite her strong rhetoric, Rodriguez indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S., stating, “We are willing to have respectful relations,” referring to the Trump administration’s approach.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, revealing that the U.S. had established contact with Rodriguez, suggesting she is prepared to take actions aligned with American interests. He stated, “She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.” Trump’s remarks came alongside a warning directed at Rodriguez, implying that failure to comply with U.S. expectations could result in severe consequences.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the current negotiations with Rodriguez as “delicate and complicated,” acknowledging the need for “mature statesmanship” moving forward. He reiterated that U.S. objectives remain unchanged despite the shift in leadership, highlighting the previous difficulties in working with Maduro.
Maduro and Flores were reportedly transported to New York, where they face federal charges related to drug trafficking and connections with designated terrorist organizations, allegations that Maduro has denied. A video shared by a White House account depicted Maduro smiling while being escorted by agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
In his statement, Padrino Lopez also addressed the violence that occurred during the U.S. operation, mentioning that some of Maduro’s bodyguards were killed. He refrained from providing specific casualty figures and noted that Venezuelan authorities have not yet released an official count of injuries or fatalities from the raid. Trump confirmed that while some U.S. personnel were injured during the operation, there were no fatalities.
Looking ahead, Padrino Lopez urged Venezuelans to resume their normal activities, including work and education, asserting that “the homeland must follow its constitutional course.” This call for stability comes amid a backdrop of uncertainty as the country navigates the aftermath of Maduro’s removal and the potential implications for its governance and international relations.
