> At a Glance
> – Delcy Rodríguez has assumed interim leadership of Venezuela following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro
> – President Trump claims Rodríguez was “sworn in” and is willing to collaborate with the U.S.
> – Rodríguez insists Maduro remains Venezuela’s only president while pledging to work with Washington
> – Why it matters: Venezuela’s political future hangs in balance as Rodríguez navigates between defying and cooperating with the Trump administration
Venezuela’s political landscape shifted dramatically after the U.S. captured Nicolás Maduro, thrusting Delcy Rodríguez-a longtime socialist loyalist-into the role of interim leader as the country faces an uncertain future.
Revolutionary Roots Shape Her Rise
Born in Caracas on May 18, 1969, Rodríguez is the daughter of Jorge Antonio Rodríguez, a Marxist guerrilla fighter who co-founded the Socialist League. Her father died in police custody at age 34 after his alleged involvement in the 1976 kidnapping of an American businessman-a family tragedy that became the foundation of her political identity.
“The revolution is our revenge for the death of our father and his executioners,” she told a Venezuelan politician in 2018, referring to Hugo Chávez’s socialist program.
Her political connections run deep through her family:
- Brother Jorge Rodríguez serves as president of the National Assembly
- He previously served as vice president under Chávez
- Both siblings have been key figures in Venezuela’s socialist government
From Lawyer to Power Broker
Rodríguez graduated from the Central University of Venezuela in 1993 and studied labor law in Paris and social sciences in London before entering politics in the early 2000s. Her career trajectory under both Chávez and Maduro includes:
- Communication and Information Minister (2013)
- Foreign Minister (2014-2017)
- Head of the pro-Maduro Constituent Assembly
- Vice President (appointed June 2018)
- Finance and Oil Minister (additional roles)
Ryan C. Berg of the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted her survival in multiple positions stems from “her ability to exercise power effectively within that regime.” Maduro once called her a “tiger” for her fierce defense of his government.
Mixed Messages Define U.S. Relationship
The Trump administration’s approach to Rodríguez has been marked by contradictory signals. While Trump told reporters she was “sworn in” and “willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Rodríguez herself sends mixed messages.
In a televised address, she blasted the “extremists” in the Trump administration while insisting Maduro remains Venezuela’s rightful leader. Yet on Instagram, she struck a more diplomatic tone, inviting the U.S. to work together on “a cooperation agenda oriented toward shared development.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in contact with Rodríguez, who Trump described as “gracious.” However, Trump also issued a stark warning: “If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.”
Challenges Ahead for Interim Leadership
Rodríguez’s path forward remains fraught with challenges. While she has never faced U.S. criminal charges, the first Trump administration sanctioned her for allegedly squashing political dissent. Now, as she attempts to consolidate power, she faces significant internal obstacles.
According to Berg, Rodríguez “does not enjoy support from some of the main factions” in Venezuela and must consolidate support over the armed forces to maintain her position.
Key Takeaways
- Delcy Rodríguez has assumed interim leadership after Maduro’s U.S. capture on narco-terrorism charges
- She maintains that Maduro remains Venezuela’s only president while pledging to collaborate with Washington
- Rodríguez’s revolutionary family background and loyalty to the socialist regime have defined her political career
- Her ability to consolidate power depends on gaining support from Venezuela’s military and political factions
- The Trump administration has offered both cooperation and threats as Venezuela’s political future remains uncertain
As Venezuela navigates this unprecedented political crisis, Rodríguez’s balancing act between defiance and cooperation with the U.S. will determine not only her political survival but the future direction of the country itself.
