Delcy Rodriguez Sworn In as Venezuela’s Interim President After Maduro’s Detention

A Sudden Transfer of Power

Caracas woke up on Tuesday to a seismic shift in its political landscape. Moments after news broke that President Nicolás Maduro had been taken into custody during a pre-dawn operation, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice issued a brief but sweeping ruling: Executive authority would pass, on an interim basis, to Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez.

The Court’s Justification

In a three-page decision, the court cited Article 233 of the Venezuelan Constitution, which allows the vice-president to assume presidential duties in cases of "absence." The order, signed by Chief Justice Caryslia Rodríguez, states that Maduro’s detention creates a "temporary vacuum" that must be filled "to guarantee the continuity of the State."

"The transfer of power is constitutional and aims to preserve institutional stability," the ruling reads.

Washington Reacts

Within hours, former U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he had spoken with Venezuela’s outgoing vice-president for executive affairs, suggesting a behind-the-scenes dialogue. "We’re in contact," Trump said outside his Florida resort, without elaborating on the substance of the conversation.

What Happens Next?

Constitutional lawyers are split on whether the court can unilaterally name an interim president. The National Assembly, largely sidelined in recent years, would normally have 30 days to decree a new election, but lawmakers have yet to convene. Meanwhile, Rodríguez is already moving into Miraflores Palace, reviewing cabinet appointments, and meeting with military commanders.

International Response

• Brazil called for "a transparent electoral calendar within the constitutional framework."
• Colombia urged "calm and respect for democratic norms."
• The European Union said it was "closely monitoring" developments and stood ready to "support a peaceful transition."

Caracas Streets: Calm but Watchful

Downtown traffic flowed normally, yet WhatsApp groups crackled with rumors of troop movements. Opposition activists quietly distributed flyers urging peaceful protests on Wednesday, while pro-government collectives patrolled parts of western Caracas on motorcycles. No major clashes were reported by nightfall.

Who Is Delcy Rodríguez?

A longtime chavista, Rodríguez, 55, served as foreign minister during the country’s oil-for-loans negotiations with China and Russia. Known for her sharp rhetoric against U.S. sanctions, she rose to the vice-presidency in 2018, becoming one of Maduro’s most visible lieutenants. Analysts describe her as a pragmatic operator capable of balancing military, civilian, and international pressures.

Economic Stakes

Venezuela’s 2025 bond prices jumped 6 cents on the dollar as traders bet that political change—any change—could unlock frozen overseas assets and revive oil output, currently languishing near 700,000 barrels per day. State oil company PDVSA has not commented on whether Rodríguez will retain Tareck El Aissami as oil minister.

Timeline of a Tumultuous Day

• 03:12 a.m. — Reports emerge that Maduro has been detained.
• 05:45 a.m. — Supreme Court issues interim presidency order.
• 08:00 a.m. — Rodríguez addresses nation on state TV.
• 10:30 a.m. — Trump claims contact with Venezuelan officials.
• 06:00 p.m. — Military high command pledges support to Rodríguez.

What the World Is Watching

All eyes now turn to the National Assembly. If legislators ratify the court’s decision and schedule fresh elections within 30 days, Venezuela could avoid a protracted power struggle. If they don’t, the fragile calm on Caracas streets may give way to broader unrest—and with it, a new chapter in the country’s decade-long crisis.