UPDATE: In a critical turn of events, Delcy Rodriguez has assumed the role of interim president of Venezuela as of July 15, 2025, following the capture of Nicolas Maduro during a predawn US military operation. This development comes with urgent warnings from US President Donald Trump, who cautioned Rodriguez that she faces a “very big price” if she does not align with Washington’s objectives regarding the oil-rich nation.
Rodriguez, aged 56, was appointed by the Venezuelan Supreme Court to act as president for a temporary 90-day period. The political landscape in Venezuela has become increasingly precarious as Rodriguez, often referred to as a “tiger” for her staunch defense of Maduro’s regime, now finds herself under immense pressure from the Trump administration. Trump indicated that Rodriguez had been in talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and hinted at her willingness to cooperate, a claim she strongly refuted in her televised address.
During the National Defense Council meeting she chaired just hours after Maduro’s capture, Rodriguez condemned the military operation as a “blatant violation of international law” and firmly stated, “There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro.” Her defiance starkly contrasts Trump’s assertion that she may pivot towards cooperation with the U.S.
In a tense interview with The Atlantic, Trump emphasized the serious consequences Rodriguez could face if she fails to act in accordance with U.S. interests, stating, “If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.” This warning is accompanied by Trump’s announcement that the U.S. intends to “run” Venezuela for an unspecified duration, involving major U.S. oil companies in plans to invest billions to restore the country’s “badly broken infrastructure.”
Rodriguez, who also serves as Venezuela’s finance and oil minister, has cultivated significant relationships with some Republicans in the U.S. oil sector and on Wall Street, who oppose regime change in Venezuela. Legal experts, including constitutional lawyer José Manuel Romano, characterize Rodriguez as a “very prominent figure” who commands Maduro’s trust.
The current upheaval has thrust Venezuela into a constitutional crisis, with questions surrounding the legitimacy of Rodriguez’s leadership. Under Venezuelan constitutional articles, the vice president assumes presidential duties during a president’s absence, yet the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Maduro’s capture raise doubts about the application of these rules. While the military has recognized Rodriguez as acting leader, the opposition claims the 2024 elections were fraudulent and aligns with Edmundo González Urrutia as the rightful winner, a position supported by several regional governments and opposition figure María Corina Machado.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on Rodriguez as she navigates this unprecedented political turmoil. The world watches closely to see if she will heed Trump’s warning or continue her defiant stance in support of Maduro. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant implications for Venezuela’s future and its relationships on the global stage.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the international community reacts to these urgent developments.
