Venezuela Swears in Delcy Rodríguez as Interim President

Venezuela’s parliament on January 5, 2026, swore in Delcy Rodríguez as interim President, two days after U.S. forces seized President Nicolás Maduro and flew him to New York to face trial on drug trafficking charges. The dramatic development followed a U.S. military operation ordered by President Donald Trump, which included strikes on Caracas on January 3.

Oath Taken in National Assembly
Ms. Rodríguez, who was serving as Vice-President under Maduro, took the oath of office during a ceremony at the National Assembly, stating that she assumed office “in the name of all Venezuelans.” She indicated her willingness to cooperate with Washington, signalling a potential shift in Venezuela’s stance toward the United States.

Parliament Denounces U.S. Action, Backs Rodríguez
The National Assembly strongly denounced the capture of Nicolás Maduro, calling it a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty, while simultaneously pledging full political support to Delcy Rodríguez as interim President. Lawmakers described the U.S. operation as a shock to both Caracas and the international community.

Political Continuity in Legislature
In a show of continuity, members of parliament re-elected Jorge Rodríguez, Ms. Rodríguez’s brother, as Speaker of the National Assembly, reinforcing the ruling bloc’s control over the legislature despite the leadership upheaval.

U.S. Military Operation and Charges
According to U.S. authorities, the operation involved the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were transported to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The unprecedented move has escalated tensions between Venezuela and the United States and marked a turning point in the country’s ongoing political crisis.