Delcy Rodríguez Named Venezuela’s Interim Leader Amid US Strategic Interests
Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of interim leader of Venezuela. In her first televised address, she condemned actions taken by the United States and demanded the return of Nicolás Maduro, affirming that Maduro remains the sole legitimate president of Venezuela.
The United States, under the administration of Donald Trump, aims to manage Venezuela through Rodríguez. Their objectives include halting drug trafficking, restoring control of the country’s oil resources to American interests, and deterring criminal activities. Discussions have included the possibility of deploying ground troops.
Rodríguez is a longtime official within Maduro’s regime, having served previously as foreign minister, oil minister, and vice-president since 2018. She has been described as a pragmatic technocrat who could potentially attract American energy investments.
Trump’s team reportedly preferred Rodríguez over opposition leader María Corina Machado, viewing Rodríguez as a workable partner despite not being a permanent solution. Machado lacked necessary military backing, which factored into this preference.
Rodríguez faces the challenge of balancing US demands with the task of reinforcing an authoritarian regime that is unpopular with many Venezuelans. Missteps could lead to internal upheaval or external intervention.
Her background includes a legal education obtained in Caracas and Paris. Her family history is notable; her father died in custody amid allegations of involvement in kidnapping a US citizen. This detail presents an ironic parallel to the US forces later kidnapping her superior, Maduro.
