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Sunday 22/02/2026

US Backs Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela's Acting President Amid Political Turmoil

Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela's acting president with political shadows

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Delcy Rodríguez, a former ally of Nicolás Maduro, has been installed as Venezuela's acting president with US backing.
  • The Trump administration prioritizes stability over democracy, opting to maintain key figures from Maduro's regime.
  • Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's hardline interior minister, has been warned by the US that he could be next to fall if he opposes Rodríguez.
  • The US aims to secure access to Venezuelan oil while avoiding chaos and promoting reconciliation among opposition forces.
  • Opposition leader María Corina Machado rejects Rodríguez's authority and anticipates new elections.

In a surprising turn of events, Delcy Rodríguez has been appointed as Venezuela's acting president following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration's decision to support Rodríguez, a former ally of Maduro, has sparked widespread debate over the prioritization of stability over democratic processes in the crisis-stricken nation.

US Prioritizes Stability Over Democracy

The choice to back Rodríguez, a known "Chavista" revolutionary, over opposition leader María Corina Machado, who claims to have won the 2024 presidential elections, has raised eyebrows. Charles Shapiro, a former US ambassador to Venezuela, explained, "They've gone for stability over democracy." The decision reflects concerns about potential infighting among opposition figures and the risk of alienating the 30% of Venezuelans who supported Maduro.

Warnings to Diosdado Cabello

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's hardline interior minister, has been put on notice by the US. Reports suggest that Cabello, seen as a key figure in Maduro's regime, could face a similar fate if he opposes Rodríguez. The US aims to maintain stability while ensuring access to Venezuela's oil resources. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-step strategy: stabilizing the country, securing fair market access, and promoting reconciliation among opposition forces.

Opposition Leader Machado's Response

María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, has rejected Rodríguez's authority and vowed to return to Venezuela. She expects new elections to be called soon, asserting, "In free and fair elections, we will win more than 90% of the votes." Meanwhile, the US continues to enforce a blockade against vessels transporting Venezuelan oil, aiming to curb illicit activities.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The US's decision to back Delcy Rodríguez could lead to a period of relative stability in Venezuela, but it also risks alienating opposition supporters who view the move as undermining democratic principles. If Diosdado Cabello chooses to defy the US-backed administration, it could result in further political upheaval. The international community will closely watch how the situation unfolds, particularly regarding Venezuela's oil exports and the potential for new elections. As the US seeks to balance stability with democratic ideals, the long-term implications for US-Venezuela relations remain uncertain.