Delcy Rodriguez Assumes Acting Presidency After U.S. Capture of Maduro
Updated (2 articles)
Rodriguez sworn in amid national assembly session Venezuela’s single‑chamber National Assembly formally swore Vice‑President Delcy Rodriguez as interim president on January 6, following the overnight U.S. raid that seized President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores [1][2]. She took the oath “in the name of all Venezuelans,” acknowledging the “pain” of the operation while pledging to maintain peace and cooperate with Washington within international law [2]. Lawmakers shouted slogans supporting Maduro, yet simultaneously granted Rodriguez full backing for the acting role [1].
U.S. raid executed with extensive air and ground assets The United States deployed more than 150 aircraft and roughly 200 personnel to strike Caracas, capture Maduro and his wife, and transport them to New York for arraignment [2]. In New York, Maduro pleaded not guilty to four charges, including narco‑terrorism, and asserted he remained Venezuela’s president [2]. U.S. officials described the operation as a “surgical law‑enforcement action,” while global leaders condemned it as an illegal armed attack [2][1].
Supreme Court and military endorse Rodriguez’s authority Venezuela’s Supreme Court issued an order authorizing Rodriguez to assume the presidency in an acting capacity, and the armed forces publicly pledged support the following day [1]. The legislature also re‑elected Jorge Rodriguez, Delcy’s brother, as speaker, consolidating executive and legislative control within the Rodríguez family [1]. These institutional endorsements were presented as legal validation of the transition despite the external pressure [1].
International community prepares for prolonged legal battle Maduro’s arraignment in New York is scheduled for a next hearing on 17 March, while the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to address the U.S. action [2]. President Trump warned Rodriguez of harsher consequences if U.S. policy demands are unmet, linking oil access to compliance [1]. Venezuelan officials vowed to use “all procedures, all platforms, and all avenues” to secure Maduro’s return, signaling a protracted diplomatic and judicial contest [1][2].
Sources (2 articles)
-
[1]
The Hindu: Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as interim president after U.S. forces seize Nicolas Maduro – Details the swearing‑in ceremony, legislative and judicial backing, and Trump’s ultimatum, emphasizing domestic consolidation of power .
-
[2]
BBC: Delcy Rodríguez sworn interim president after US arrests Nicolás Maduro, who is arraigned in New York – Focuses on the U.S. raid’s scale, Maduro’s New York arraignment, and worldwide criticism, highlighting the operation’s legal framing and public rallies .
Timeline
2018 – Delcy Rodríguez becomes Venezuela’s vice‑president, giving her a high‑profile platform that later enables her to assume the interim presidency. [1]
May 2025 – Venezuelan parliamentary elections give the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) a large majority in the single‑chamber National Assembly, setting the legislative backdrop for the rapid power shift after the U.S. raid. [2]
Jan 4, 2026 (overnight) – U.S. forces, acting on President Donald Trump’s orders, strike Caracas, seize President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and transport them to New York to face drug‑trafficking charges. Trump warns Rodríguez that “non‑compliance will bring harsher consequences.” [2]
Jan 5, 2026 – At an emergency UN Security Council session, diplomats worldwide condemn the U.S. operation; the U.S. ambassador to the UN labels Maduro an “illegitimate so‑called president” and a “fugitive from justice.” [1]
Jan 5, 2026 – Nicolás Maduro appears in a New York federal courtroom, pleads not guilty to four counts—including narco‑terrorism and weapons offenses—and insists he remains Venezuela’s president. He is escorted out in shackles alongside his wife. [1]
Jan 5, 2026 – Venezuela’s National Assembly swears in Vice‑President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. She says she takes the oath “with pain” and calls the seizure a “kidnapping” and “illegitimate military aggression,” while pledging to guarantee peace and to cooperate with Washington “within the framework of international law.” [1][2]
Jan 5, 2026 – The Assembly re‑elects Jorge Rodríguez (Delcy’s brother) as speaker, consolidating executive and legislative control in the Rodríguez siblings; senior PSUV lawmakers vow to use “all procedures, all platforms, and all avenues” to restore Maduro. [2]
Jan 5, 2026 – Venezuela’s Supreme Court orders Delcy Rodríguez to assume the presidency in an acting capacity, providing a judicial seal on her interim authority. [2]
Jan 6, 2026 – The Venezuelan armed forces publicly back interim President Rodríguez, reinforcing her domestic legitimacy and signaling continuity of the Maduro regime. [2]
Jan 6, 2026 – U.S. officials defend the raid as “surgical,” noting it involved more than 150 aircraft and roughly 200 personnel, underscoring the operation’s scale and fueling ongoing diplomatic fallout. [1]
Jan 6, 2026 – Thousands gather outside the Federal Legislative Palace to support Maduro, his wife, and interim President Rodríguez; Maduro’s son Nicolás Maduro Guerra declares that his parents “will return” and offers “unconditional support.” [1]