I started to read about what is happening in Venezuela and I was surprised how fast everything changed. In my search, I found that after the United States carried out a sudden operation and took former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to New York to face trial, the whole country entered a strange political moment. They are now in a detention center in Brooklyn, waiting for trial over serious accusations like drug trafficking, which they deny. After that, Delcy Rodríguez, who was vice president before, became the acting leader of Venezuela.
I have noticed that Rodríguez is in a very difficult position. On one side, she has to show loyalty to Maduro and keep the support of the Chavista movement. Chavismo is the political ideology started by Hugo Chávez and later continued by Maduro. It focuses on socialism, anti US ideas, and strong state control. Many of their supporters believe the United States always tries to control Latin America. So Rodríguez continues to speak against what she calls US imperialism. She uses strong words and says the United States is an invader and a dangerous power.
But at the same time, they have become more flexible in their actions. I start to know about that when I read that she allowed a law that opens the door for US oil companies to work again in Venezuela. That is a big change because for years the government blamed the US for many of the country’s problems. Now they are talking directly with US officials. On the same day she criticized US expansion, she also met with the CIA director in Caracas. This shows that while her words are tough, her actions are more practical.
Donald Trump has also spoken about her in a softer tone. He called her a wonderful person and said they have worked well together. He even said that when she claims Maduro is still the real president, she probably has to say that. I researched on it and it looks like Trump understands that she must keep speaking in a way that satisfies her supporters at home.
I have seen that many experts believe the real power balance is not equal. Some analysts say that Rodríguez’s position depends a lot on the support of the United States. There have been investigations in the past by US agencies into Venezuelan leaders. Even if there is no official charge against her right now, the pressure is always there. The message seems clear that if she does not cooperate, she could face serious consequences like Maduro.
Inside Venezuela, the situation is also complicated. I have read that only around 15 to 20 percent of the population strongly supports Chavismo now. Many Venezuelans were unhappy with Maduro’s rule. His last election win was questioned by many countries and opposition groups. They claimed their candidate won by a large margin, but Maduro still took office saying he had won. Over the years, millions of people have left Venezuela because of economic problems and political crisis. More than 7 million have migrated, and many are registered as refugees.
The economy is one of the biggest issues. In my search, I found that inflation in Venezuela is the highest in the world. Most people are living in poverty. A basic food basket costs more than 500 dollars, which is extremely expensive for the average worker there. People are hoping that if US companies invest in oil again, money will come into the country and life will slowly improve. But it is not clear how much of that money will reach ordinary people. Oil deals can help the government first, but it will take time before families feel real change in their daily lives.
Rodríguez also has to manage the military and powerful figures inside the government. One important name is Diosdado Cabello, the interior minister. He has strong influence over parts of the military and groups called colectivos. These groups have been used in the past to control protests and support the government in the streets. I start to understand that Rodríguez cannot ignore him. If she moves too quickly toward the US, she could lose support from these powerful internal groups.
So they have become experts in balancing two sides. On one side, she speaks about sovereignty and resistance against foreign control. On the other side, she talks politely with US leaders and allows economic cooperation. It is like walking on a thin rope. If she leans too much toward Washington, her base may feel betrayed. If she rejects the US too strongly, economic pressure and possible sanctions could increase.
I have learned that some experts think US pressure could grow stronger. It could mean more sanctions, more limits on oil, or even stronger intervention. At the same time, many Venezuelans feel some hope after Maduro’s removal. They think maybe this is a chance for change.
From what I researched, Rodríguez’s main strength is her ability to adapt. Chavismo as a movement has survived by changing direction when needed. It keeps its core message but adjusts policies to stay in power. She appointed more technocrats instead of strict ideologues, which shows she understands that the country needs practical solutions now.
In simple words, Venezuela is in a sensitive moment. The former president is in prison in another country. The new acting leader must satisfy her supporters, calm the military, and negotiate with a powerful US president at the same time. I have seen that this is not an easy job for anyone. For now, she is trying to keep both sides satisfied. Whether she can continue this balance for a long time will depend on the economy, the military loyalty, and how much pressure comes from Washington.
In the end, it feels like Venezuela is standing at a crossroads. Rodríguez has some strong cards in her hand, but the game is not fully in her control. The coming months will show whether her careful strategy will bring stability or create new challenges for the country.
$BNB #VenezuelaCrisis #USVenezuelaRelations #GlobalPolitics