delcyrodriguez

By @MrJangKen • ID: 766881381 • January 4, 2026
CARACAS – In a move to prevent a total collapse of governance, Venezuela’s Supreme Court (TSJ) has formally ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president. The emergency ruling follows the stunning detention of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces during a weekend operation that has plunged the South American nation into unchartered political territory.

The Judicial Mandate
The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court issued the order late Saturday, citing the need to "guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the Nation." The court’s decision activates the constitutional mechanism for presidential succession, designating Rodríguez to exercise all "powers, duties, and faculties" inherent to the presidency during Maduro’s "forced absence."
Magistrate Tania D’Amelio, reading the decision on national television, emphasized that the judiciary would continue to debate the "applicable legal framework" to ensure the continuity of the state and the protection of national sovereignty.
A Loyal "Tiger" at the Helm
Delcy Rodríguez, 56, is one of the most powerful and trusted figures within the "Chavista" movement. A lawyer by training and the daughter of a prominent leftist leader, she has served in nearly every high-level capacity in the Venezuelan government, including Foreign Minister, Minister of Communication, and most recently, Vice President and Minister of Oil.
Known for her fierce rhetoric and aggressive defense of Maduro—who once referred to her as a "tiger"—Rodríguez now faces the daunting task of managing a country crippled by hyperinflation and international sanctions, all while under the watchful eye of the United States.
Contradictory Signals and Global Tension
Despite the Supreme Court’s order, the transition appears fraught with tension. Shortly after the ruling, Rodríguez appeared on state television flanked by high-ranking military officials and her brother, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. In a defiant address, she referred to Maduro’s detention as a "kidnapping" and "barbaric," insisting that he remains the "only legitimate president of Venezuela."
This stance stands in sharp contrast to statements from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump, following the operation, suggested that Rodríguez was "willing to do what is necessary" to restore stability and hinted that the U.S. would play a significant role in the interim administration.
Market and Economic Implications
For investors, the sudden change in leadership raises critical questions about Venezuela’s oil industry. As the current Oil Minister, Rodríguez has been the primary architect of the government’s efforts to bypass U.S. sanctions and maintain crude exports.
While the U.S. has signaled a potential "presence" in Venezuela regarding energy interests—specifically mentioning companies like Chevron—the immediate future of the country's oil production remains uncertain. Analysts warn that if the transition is not "safe, proper, and judicious," as the White House has promised, the resulting instability could further damage the country’s already fragile infrastructure.
What’s Next?
As Nicolás Maduro awaits trial in New York on drug-trafficking charges, the world’s attention remains fixed on Caracas. The coming days will determine if Delcy Rodríguez can consolidate power among the military elite or if the U.S.-led intervention will trigger a more radical shift in the nation’s governance.

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