A shocking turn of events has left Venezuelans questioning their country's leadership. In a dramatic move, the U.S. military captured President Nicolás Maduro, who had survived numerous challenges to his rule, including a coup attempt, army mutinies, and harsh economic sanctions. As fear spread through the capital, Caracas, residents like Juan Pablo Petrone were left wondering, "What will the future hold?"
Enter President Donald Trump, who dropped a bombshell: the U.S. would take control of Venezuela, potentially with the cooperation of Maduro's trusted deputy, Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez, next in line for the presidency, has served as Maduro's vice president since 2018, overseeing Venezuela's oil-dependent economy and its intelligence service.
But here's where it gets controversial... Trump claimed that Rodríguez, despite facing U.S. sanctions for her role in undermining democracy, was willing to work with the U.S. to "make Venezuela great again." In a surprising snub, Trump dismissed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the recipient of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, stating that she lacked the support to lead the country.
Trump revealed that Rodríguez had a lengthy conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which she allegedly said, "We'll do whatever you need." Trump added, "I think she was quite gracious."
However, key Venezuelan officials, including Rodríguez, appeared to retain their positions, and the U.S. showed no immediate signs of direct rule. Rodríguez projected unity, demanding Maduro's release and denouncing the U.S. operation as a UN charter violation. She asserted, "There is only one president, Nicolás Maduro."
Venezuelan military officials took a defiant stance, urging citizens to defend the country's sovereignty. Some Venezuelans heeded the call, rallying and burning American flags. Yet, most remained indoors, fearful of the uncertain future.
Yanire Lucas, another Caracas resident, summed up the situation: "What's happening is unprecedented. We're still on edge, unsure of what to do."
Trump indicated that Rodríguez had already been sworn in as president, but state TV did not broadcast the ceremony. During her televised speech, Rodríguez identified herself as vice president, giving no indication of cooperation with the U.S.
She stated, "What is being done to Venezuela violates international law. History and justice will hold the extremists accountable."
The Venezuelan constitution mandates a new election within a month of the president's absence, but experts debate whether this applies given the government's lack of legitimacy and the U.S. military intervention.
Rodríguez, a lawyer educated in Britain and France, has strong ties with Republicans in the oil industry and on Wall Street, who oppose U.S.-led regime change. She and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly, have leftist credentials rooted in tragedy, with their father, a socialist leader, dying in police custody in the 1970s.
Unlike many in Maduro's circle, the Rodríguez siblings have avoided U.S. criminal indictment. Delcy Rodríguez has developed strong connections with Republicans, including Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, and Richard Grenell, a Trump envoy who negotiated with Maduro for greater U.S. influence.
Internal tensions could erupt, as Rodríguez faces challenges asserting authority over military hardliners, many of whom are wanted in the U.S. on drug trafficking and human rights charges. However, analysts expect Venezuela's power brokers to unite, as they have in the past.
David Smilde, a sociology professor at Tulane University, stated, "These leaders have seen the value of unity. Cabello has always taken a back seat, knowing his fate is tied to Maduro's."
The state of Venezuela's military post-U.S. bombing raid is crucial. If weakened, they become more vulnerable.
In a surprising move, Trump dismissed opposition leader Machado's call for her ally, Edmundo González, to assume power. Machado promised to restore order and bring political prisoners home, but Trump poured cold water on these plans, stating, "She doesn't have the support or respect within the country."
Machado has not responded to Trump's remarks, leaving Venezuelans with more questions than answers.
