On January 3, 2026, following the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president. The United States, which had not recognized Maduro's legitimacy after the disputed 2024 election, announced its engagement with Rodríguez, outlining conditions for a transition. This development occurred amidst international discussion regarding the US decision to support a figure from the existing government structure over opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Context of Leadership Change
The Venezuelan Supreme Court ruled Delcy Rodríguez as the country's acting president following Maduro's detention. Under the Venezuelan constitution, the vice-president assumes presidential duties in the absence of the president.
The US and several other nations had not recognized Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president, citing the 2024 election, which involved allegations of irregularities. The Venezuelan electoral council (CNE) declared Maduro president but did not release detailed voting tallies. Copies of voting tallies collected by the opposition and reviewed by the Carter Center indicated that opposition candidate Edmundo González had won.
Consequently, the US and dozens of other countries recognized González as the president-elect. González, a a former diplomat, had the support of opposition leader María Corina Machado. Machado had been barred from running for office by officials from the Maduro government, leading to González replacing her on the ballot. Following the election, security forces took action against the opposition, resulting in González going into exile in Spain and Machado going into hiding in Venezuela. For 18 months, they advocated for Maduro's resignation and sought international support, particularly from the US.
US Engagement and Policy Stance
US President Donald Trump announced that following Maduro's detention, the United States would "run" Venezuela "until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition." President Trump later clarified these statements on January 3, 2026, stipulating that Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, must comply with US demands to avert a possible military intervention.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated with Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez. According to President Trump, Rodríguez conveyed to Rubio, "we’ll do whatever you want" or "we’ll do whatever you need," with Trump adding, "She, I think, was quite gracious, but she really doesn’t have a choice." US officials indicated that a transition involving a member of the existing Venezuelan government was being considered for a smoother process. President Trump also stated that the US was "ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so."
Perspectives on the Transition
The US decision to endorse Rodríguez, who has been described as a "Chavista," over opposition leader María Corina Machado generated discussion regarding its rationale. Former US ambassador to Venezuela, Charles Shapiro (2002-2004), stated that the US prioritized stability over a complete transition to democracy, maintaining the existing governmental structure without Maduro. He characterized this approach as potentially high-risk.
An alternative approach, supporting Machado's opposition movement, was noted to carry potential risks, including internal opposition divisions and the alienation of approximately 30% of Venezuelans who had voted for Maduro. President Trump publicly stated that Machado did not possess the "support or respect" to lead Venezuela. Kevin Whitaker, a former deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Caracas, expressed surprise at Machado's disqualification, noting her movement's electoral support.
The decision to support Rodríguez followed warnings regarding potential instability if Machado were installed. An International Crisis Group (ICG) report from October cautioned against "regime change," highlighting the risks of violence and the possibility of security forces launching a guerrilla war against new authorities. Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with the ICG, indicated that warnings were communicated to the US administration about the potential for violent chaos.
The Wall Street Journal reported a classified US intelligence assessment that reached similar conclusions, indicating that members of the Maduro government, including Rodríguez, were better positioned to lead a temporary government. The White House has not publicly commented on this report but has indicated its intention to work with Rodríguez. Henry Ziemer, an associate fellow at the Americas Program at Washington's Centre for Strategic and International Studies, noted this reflects a "hard-nosed realism" by the Trump administration, while emphasizing that the broader rebuilding of Venezuela presents ongoing challenges.
Statements from Key Figures
Delcy Rodríguez, in a news conference, denounced Maduro's detention as a kidnapping and asserted that Venezuela would not become a colony. Earlier, on Saturday, she also affirmed her loyalty to the removed President Nicolás Maduro and described his removal as an "atrocity."
María Corina Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for "her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy" in Venezuela, posted on social media after Maduro's detention, stating "the hour of freedom has arrived" and "Today we are ready to enforce our mandate and take power."
Former CIA officer Lindsay Moran speculated about Rodríguez's potential involvement in the plan. However, Phil Gunson of the ICG countered this theory, citing the continued influence of Venezuela's defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, and interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, both loyal to Maduro, suggesting Rodríguez would be internally vulnerable if she had betrayed Maduro. Gunson also commented that Rodríguez has demonstrated a degree of economic reform and openness to foreign capital.