Venezuela Power Shift: Maduro Allies Hold Firm, US Doubts

The Trump administration says Venezuelan leaders will comply with U.S. demands following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, though his allies are resisting American pressure. Maduro and his wife were taken into custody during a weekend military operation that has drawn international attention, leaving Venezuela appearing to be under the control of what remains of his regime.

Maduro’s Capture and Succession

Delcy Rodríguez, formerly vice-president to Maduro, has been named interim president by Venezuela’s high court. She has publicly rejected the Trump administration’s assertion that she will cooperate with the U.S.

Other members of the Venezuelan government echoed this defiance on Sunday. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino announced the activation of armed forces nationwide to protect the country’s sovereignty.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated the Venezuelan government would remain unified behind Maduro, saying, “The unity of the revolutionary force is more than guaranteed.”

U.S. Plans for Venezuela

America’s plans for Venezuela remain unclear after Donald Trump declared the U.S. would temporarily “run” the country. However, Trump and his cabinet secretaries have since indicated a continued pressure campaign on Venezuela’s ruling regime, rather than an immediate installation of a new government.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was impractical to immediately transfer power to the Venezuelan opposition, who international watchdogs say rightfully won previous elections. He noted that much of the opposition is no longer located within Venezuela.

Rubio stated the U.S. was “not at war with Venezuela” but would continue an oil blockade and seize sanctioned vessels. He added that further pressure tactics would be employed until desired changes are addressed.

Trump told The Atlantic magazine that if the interim Venezuelan president “doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.”

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently in custody in New York and are expected to appear in court as early as Monday in preparation for a “narco-terrorism” trial. The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Monday as well.