Maduro’s Son Backs Interim President Delcy Rodríguez Amid Political Upheaval in Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela — In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples through Latin America and beyond, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, son of the recently captured former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, publicly declared his “unconditional support” for the newly sworn-in interim president, Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018, assumed the presidency following a U.S. military operation that led to Maduro’s arrest and extradition to New York.
Maduro Guerra, often referred to as “Nicolasito,” made his first public appearance since the U.S. forces detained his father and stepmother, Cilia Flores, at their Caracas residence. Speaking at a National Assembly session marking the start of a new legislative term extending to 2031, Maduro Guerra pledged solidarity with Rodríguez and the ruling party’s efforts to stabilize the country. “My unconditional support for the very hard task you’ve been given,” he said, urging unity and firmness in navigating Venezuela’s uncertain future.
Despite his support for Rodríguez, Maduro Guerra condemned the U.S. operation as a “kidnapping,” warning of broader geopolitical consequences. “If we normalize the kidnapping of a head of state, no country is safe. Today, it’s Venezuela. Tomorrow, it could be any nation that refuses to submit,” he asserted, emphasizing that the incident represents a “direct threat to global political stability.”
Rodríguez, sworn in on January 5, 2026, acknowledged the pain inflicted on Venezuelans by the military action but expressed a willingness to engage with the U.S. administration. “I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland,” she said during the National Assembly session, pledging loyalty to both Nicolás Maduro and the late Hugo Chávez.
The capture of Maduro and Flores early Saturday morning was announced by the Trump administration following what officials described as “large-scale” military strikes targeting the Venezuelan leadership. The operation underscores the United States’ intensified efforts to reshape Venezuela’s political landscape and curb the influence of Maduro’s regime, which has faced widespread international criticism for authoritarianism and corruption.
Maduro’s arrest has sparked a complex political moment, with questions looming about Venezuela’s future governance and the role of international actors. The U.S. Department of State has emphasized its commitment to supporting democratic transitions in the region, while Venezuelan lawmakers loyal to the former president continue to navigate the evolving power dynamics.
Observers note that Rodríguez’s presidency marks a significant shift, as she balances condemnation of U.S. actions with a pragmatic approach toward cooperation. The Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook highlights Venezuela’s ongoing economic and political challenges, including the impact of sanctions and the humanitarian crisis.
The unfolding situation has drawn attention from international organizations such as the United Nations, which monitors human rights and stability concerns in Venezuela. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice is preparing legal proceedings related to Maduro’s extradition and charges.
As Maduro Guerra and Rodríguez navigate this unprecedented transition, Venezuela stands at a crossroads. The son of the ousted leader’s call for unity within the ruling party and his denunciation of foreign intervention reflect the deep divisions and uncertainties that define the nation’s current political climate. With the interim government now in place, the international community watches closely to see how Venezuela’s next chapter will unfold amid ongoing tensions and hopes for renewed stability.
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