Venezuelan Government Asserts Independence Amidst U.S. Involvement
In a bid to affirm its autonomy, the Venezuelan government on Monday demonstrated its governance capabilities following the unexpected detention of Nicolás Maduro, the nation’s leader for nearly 13 years, by U.S. forces. The move was part of a larger effort to counter perceptions of U.S. control over Venezuela.
Lawmakers loyal to the ruling party convened in Caracas to inaugurate the National Assembly for a term extending to 2031. Among them was Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the son of the deposed president, who publicly condemned the U.S. for his father’s capture.
Delcy Rodríguez, formerly vice president under Maduro, assumed the role of interim president. Her swearing-in was conducted by her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, who was reappointed as speaker. Delcy Rodríguez, expressing her commitment to forging a cooperative relationship with the Trump administration, stated, “I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland.”
The legislative discussions centered on denouncing the capture of Maduro, with Nicolás Maduro Guerra emphasizing the broader implications of such an act. “If we normalize the kidnapping of a head of state, no country is safe. Today, it’s Venezuela. Tomorrow, it could be any nation that refuses to submit,” he asserted. He also called for international assistance to ensure the return of his father and stepmother, Cilia Flores, who were taken during a U.S. military operation.
While the legislative assembly proceeded, Maduro appeared in a U.S. court to face charges of narco-terrorism, for which he pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence and integrity. The charges were part of the rationale used by the Trump administration to justify his capture and extradition to New York.
The U.S. operation to seize Maduro and Flores took place at their residence on a military base. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would temporarily oversee Venezuela, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that their role would be limited to enforcing an existing “oil quarantine.” Rubio articulated the administration’s strategy of leveraging Venezuela’s oil sector to prompt policy reforms, stating, “We expect to see that there will be changes, not just in the way the oil industry is run for the benefit of the people, but also so that they stop the drug trafficking.”
Following a more defiant stance in the wake of the capture, Rodríguez extended an invitation to the U.S. for “respectful relations,” highlighting a pivot towards diplomacy. She expressed a willingness for cooperative engagement within the framework of international law.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court designated Rodríguez as interim president on Saturday, citing the constitution’s provision for presidential vacancy. While the constitution mandates an election within 30 days, the court classified Maduro’s absence as “temporary,” allowing Rodríguez to govern for up to 90 days, extendable to six months with legislative approval. This decision, however, left the duration of her interim presidency open to speculation.
Prior to assuming office, lawmaker Grecia Colmenares vowed to facilitate the return of Maduro and Flores to Venezuela, declaring, “I swear by the shared destiny we deserve.”
Meanwhile, preliminary steps are underway to potentially reopen the U.S. embassy in Caracas, according to a State Department official who spoke anonymously. These preparations are contingent on President Trump’s decision to reintroduce American diplomats to Venezuela.
