Caracas (Rajeev Sharma) — Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s former vice president, was officially sworn in as interim president on January 5, 2026, after President Nicolás Maduro was captured by United States forces and flown to New York to face federal charges.
The Supreme Tribunal of Justice ruled that Rodríguez would assume the presidency to ensure continuity of government and national security. The swearing-in took place before the National Assembly in Caracas, presided over by her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the legislature.
In her address, Rodríguez condemned the U.S. operation as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty, expressed concern for Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and vowed to maintain governance amid the crisis.
The political upheaval has drawn global attention. Maduro pleaded not guilty in U.S. court, while the United States warned Rodríguez of potential consequences if she fails to align with American policy objectives. Rodríguez’s interim presidency marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead Venezuela’s executive branch, even temporarily, amid deep domestic and international tensions.
