In the wake of President Nicolás Maduro’s dramatic capture by a United States special forces operation, Venezuela has formally installed Vice President and Minister of Oil, Delcy Rodríguez, as the country’s interim president. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, 5 January, at the National Assembly in the capital, Caracas, amid an emotionally charged atmosphere, Anadolu Agency reports.
During the ceremony, Rodríguez paid tribute to her political mentor and the nation’s former socialist leader, Hugo Chávez, declaring, “I take this oath in the name of Commander Hugo Chávez.” Her words underscored the deep historical and ideological roots of her administration amidst the unfolding crisis.
The appointment follows the unexpected dawn raid on 3 January in Caracas, during which President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were detained by U.S. commandos and subsequently transported to New York. They now face legal proceedings in the United States on charges of drug and arms trafficking. Rodríguez expressed profound grief and anger over the seizure of the presidential couple, describing them as “national heroes” held captive in North America. She added, “With this pain in my heart, I assume this responsibility.”
Shortly after Maduro’s disappearance, Venezuela’s Supreme Court directed Vice President Rodríguez to act immediately as interim president, a move swiftly formalised with Monday’s oath. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced from Washington that temporary full control over Venezuelan affairs now rests with the United States, hinting at the possible deployment of American troops to maintain order if necessary.
Despite initially signalling a hardline stance, Rodríguez later indicated her willingness to cooperate with the United States to safeguard Venezuela’s oil resources and maintain national stability. Nonetheless, the unfolding political and security crisis has sparked global concern over the future trajectory of the oil-rich South American nation.
Key Facts:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Interim President | Delcy Rodríguez |
| Previous President | Nicolás Maduro (detained) |
| First Lady | Cilia Flores (detained) |
| Date of Swearing-in | 5 January 2026 |
| Location | National Assembly, Caracas |
| US Involvement | Maduro and Flores detained by US special forces; legal proceedings in New York |
| Venezuelan Supreme Court Action | Ordered Rodríguez to assume interim presidency |
| US President Statement | Temporary control of Venezuela in US hands; troop deployment possible |
| Rodríguez’s Stance | Open to cooperation with US to protect oil and stability |
With Venezuela teetering at a critical political crossroads, international observers are closely monitoring the implications of this unprecedented development for both regional stability and the global oil market.