Turbulence in Venezuela as U.S. Forces Capture President Nicolás Maduro
Amidst a backdrop of political upheaval and uncertainty, the streets of Caracas were largely deserted on Saturday following the unexpected capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces. The move marks a significant shift in Venezuela’s political landscape, which has been characterized by failed coups, military unrest, widespread protests, and economic sanctions.
Residents of the capital city were left pondering the future of their nation. “What will happen tomorrow?” questioned Juan Pablo Petrone, a local of Caracas, as queues formed outside supermarkets and gas stations. “What will happen in the next hour?”
In a move that stunned many, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for the United States to take control of Venezuela, potentially with the cooperation of Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018. The high court of Venezuela later ordered Rodríguez to assume the role of interim president.
“She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Trump stated of Rodríguez, who has faced U.S. sanctions for her alleged role in undermining democracy in Venezuela.
U.S. Intervention Faces Resistance
Despite the U.S. intervention, key officials within Venezuela’s government remain in their positions. Delcy Rodríguez, in a televised address, demanded the release of Maduro and condemned the U.S. operation as a violation of the United Nations charter. “There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolás Maduro,” she asserted.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino López expressed defiance in the face of U.S. pressure. “They have attacked us but will not break us,” he declared.
The Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, called on citizens to defend the nation’s sovereignty, resulting in scattered protests across Caracas where American flags were burned. “These rats attacked and they will regret what they did,” he said, referring to the U.S.
Uncertain Political Future
President Trump implied that Rodríguez had been sworn in as president, but no such ceremony was aired on state television. During her address, Rodríguez made no indication of cooperation with the U.S., instead criticizing the intervention as a violation of international law.
Venezuela’s constitution mandates a new election within a month if the president is absent, yet the legitimacy of this process is under debate given the recent U.S. military involvement and the government’s contested standing.
Rodríguez’s Potential Influence
Delcy Rodríguez, a lawyer with strong international ties, has been a prominent figure in representing Venezuela’s socialist revolution. Her connections with Republicans in the oil industry and Wall Street set her apart from other members of Maduro’s circle, many of whom face U.S. indictments.
Opposition Leader María Corina Machado’s Position
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, previously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, called for her ally Edmundo González to assume leadership, citing the disputed 2024 presidential election. However, President Trump downplayed her potential role, stating, “She doesn’t have the support or respect within the country.”
Machado has yet to respond to Trump’s remarks.
