Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president Monday, following a dramatic weekend raid by U.S. forces that ousted Nicolás Maduro. The transition took place as Maduro appeared in a New York courtroom, pleading not guilty to federal narco-terrorism and weapons charges.
Rodríguez, 56, who has served as vice president since 2018, tearfully addressed the National Assembly, calling the detention of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, a "kidnapping." Despite the U.S. operation, Maduro’s allies maintain control of the government in Caracas.
The Courtroom Confrontation During a 30-minute hearing in Manhattan, a defiant Maduro told Judge Alvin Hellerstein, "I am still president of my country." The 92-year-old judge told Maduro there would be a "time and place" for his arguments.
The U.S. government has charged Maduro with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and several weapons offenses. As he was led away in shackles, a member of the public shouted that he would "pay" for his actions; Maduro responded that he was a "prisoner of war."
Diplomatic Fallout and Domestic Debate At the United Nations, the U.S. defended the mission as a "surgical law enforcement operation" against a "fugitive from justice." U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz argued that Venezuela’s massive energy reserves could not remain under the control of an "illegitimate" leader.
However, the move has sparked intense debate in Washington. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the administration's plan for Venezuela as "vague" and "based on wishful thinking," warning against the history of failed U.S. regime changes. Conversely, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the action as a "justified" defense of national interests, noting that the seizure of oil exports would force "new governance in very short order."
Economic Stakes and Future Outlook President Trump has stated that U.S. oil companies will move into Venezuela to repair infrastructure and "start making money for the country." He also issued a stern warning to interim leader Rodríguez, stating she could pay a "very big price" if she does not cooperate with U.S. interests.
Rodríguez indicated a willingness to discuss a "shared development" agenda but maintained her loyalty to Maduro. Thousands of supporters gathered in Caracas to protest the U.S. intervention as the assembly heard from Maduro’s son, who vowed his parents would eventually return.
Maduro is scheduled to return to court on March 17.
