In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through global politics, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been named the country's interim president. This follows the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by United States forces on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The Venezuelan Supreme Court issued the order on the same day, mandating Rodríguez to assume the role "in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the Nation."
A Leader Forged in Leftist Politics
Delcy Rodríguez, 56, steps into power from a family with deep-rooted leftist political credentials. Her father, Jorge Antonio Rodríguez, was a known guerrilla leader. He was arrested and charged for his involvement in the kidnapping of an American businessman and died in 1976 at age 34 after being interrogated by intelligence agents.
Her political ascent is closely tied to the late socialist leader Hugo Chávez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro. Rodríguez enjoyed the unwavering confidence of Maduro, who first became president after Chávez's death in 2013. She served in key cabinet positions, including communications and foreign affairs, before becoming Vice President in 2018. Her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, is the president of Venezuela's National Assembly and was Maduro's chief political strategist.
The Steward of Venezuela's Oil Wealth
In a nation sitting atop the world's largest proven oil reserves, Rodríguez holds one of the most critical portfolios: Minister of Finance and Oil. This role places her at the epicenter of Venezuela's economic fortunes and challenges.
Interestingly, despite her strong socialist background, Rodríguez is credited with introducing economic reforms and a degree of liberalization. This came after a period of low growth in the 2010s, which followed an oil boom. She is recognized for building bridges with the business community, both within Venezuela and with international companies, aiming to stabilize the crisis-hit economy.
An Unexpected Choice for Washington?
In a curious twist, reports from outlets like The New York Times suggest that US officials had "settled on an acceptable candidate" to succeed Maduro, and that candidate was Delcy Rodríguez. American officials reportedly believed she would be better suited than Maduro to protect the interests of US energy companies operating in the region.
The choice reportedly bypassed the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2024 presidential campaign and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. Although Machado has been a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump, he stated she lacked the necessary "respect" and support to govern. Following the US action, Rodríguez, who is currently said to be in Russia, asked Trump for proof of life for Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump later revealed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to her, quoting Rodríguez as saying, "We're going to do whatever you need."
However, Rodríguez's ultimate alignment remains uncertain. In a recent post on social media platform X after the US attacks, she declared, "Today we are prepared to assert our mandate and seize power," indicating a potential for defiance. The world now watches to see if this interim president, with her complex legacy and connections, will chart a course of cooperation or confrontation in Venezuela's tumultuous new chapter.
