Delcy Rodríguez Assumes Venezuela’s Interim Presidency Amid U.S. Sanctions and Political Turmoil
CARACAS, Venezuela — In the wake of Nicolás Maduro’s arrest on drug trafficking charges and subsequent transfer to a New York courtroom, Venezuela’s political landscape has taken a familiar yet contentious turn. Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president and oil minister, was sworn in as interim president on January 5, 2026, a move that critics say represents a continuation of the Maduro regime rather than a break from it. A former Venezuelan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Fox News Digital that Rodríguez “detests the West” and embodies the same authoritarian tendencies that have defined Venezuela’s leadership for years.
Rodríguez, 56, has held multiple high-ranking positions within the Venezuelan government, including foreign minister, president of the Constituent Assembly, and vice president. Her appointment was formalized by her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly, underscoring the tight-knit circle of loyalists Maduro has relied upon. The official described this inner circle as “the axis of evil in a geopolitical struggle three hours from Miami,” highlighting the ongoing tensions between Venezuela and Western countries.
President Donald Trump has publicly stated that Rodríguez is “willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” signaling a complex dynamic between the U.S. and the new interim leader. However, Rodríguez’s history and ideological background suggest a deep-rooted opposition to Western influence. She is the daughter of Jorge Antonio Rodríguez, a Marxist guerrilla leader and co-founder of the Socialist League, whose arrest and death in police custody in 1976 have been cited as formative in shaping her anti-Western views. The New York Times has documented her father’s involvement in leftist insurgencies and his controversial legacy.
U.S. sanctions have already targeted Rodríguez, reflecting Washington’s skepticism about her leadership and the continuity of Maduro’s policies. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has previously sanctioned her for alleged involvement in gold smuggling and other illicit activities, further complicating her position on the international stage. Analysts note that Rodríguez’s rise to power does not signal reform but rather a reinforcement of the existing regime’s authoritarian grip.
The broader geopolitical implications are significant. Venezuela’s oil reserves remain among the largest in the world, and the country has long been a focal point of regional and global power struggles. The U.S. government, through agencies like the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury, continues to monitor developments closely, balancing sanctions with diplomatic efforts to encourage democratic transition.
Meanwhile, neighboring countries such as Colombia are preparing for potential refugee influxes should instability escalate. The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have increased surveillance and border security measures in anticipation of possible migratory pressures stemming from Venezuela’s crisis.
Rodríguez’s leadership thus marks a critical juncture for Venezuela. While some U.S. officials express cautious optimism about her stated willingness to cooperate, many remain wary of her Marxist roots and longstanding loyalty to Maduro. The coming months will test whether her presidency can navigate the country away from authoritarianism or simply perpetuate the status quo under a new banner.
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