U.S. Seizes Maduro, Installs Rodríguez as Interim Leader Amid Global Tension
Updated (6 articles)
U.S. Forces Capture Maduro and Flores in Caracas Raid On the night of January 3‑4, 2026, U.S. special‑operations troops stormed the presidential residence in Caracas, seized President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and air‑lifted them to New York to face narcoterrorism and weapons‑trafficking charges [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Dozens were killed in the operation, including 32 Cuban security personnel reported by the Cuban government [2]. The raid followed days of mutinies and protests, creating an immediate power vacuum in Venezuela [4].
Delcy Rodríguez Sworn In as Interim President by Supreme Court Venezuela’s Constitutional Chamber invoked Articles 234 and 239, declaring Maduro’s absence “temporary” and appointing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president to guarantee administrative continuity [3][4][5][6]. The court’s decision allows Rodríguez to govern for up to 90 days, extendable to six months with National Assembly approval, without triggering a constitutional election [1]. Rodríguez publicly demanded Maduro’s release and framed the move as a “force majeure” response to an exceptional situation [6].
Trump Declares U.S. Will Run Venezuela, Rejects Machado’s Viability President Donald Trump announced that the United States would “run” Venezuela, endorsed Rodríguez’s interim authority, and dismissed opposition leader María Corina Machado as lacking domestic support [1][4][6]. Trump claimed Rodríguez had pledged cooperation in a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio [1][4]. While Rubio later softened the rhetoric, emphasizing oil leverage as a bargaining tool, Senator Lindsey Graham suggested a future free election without specifying a timeline [1].
Opposition Leadership Remains Exiled or Imprisoned Amid Domestic Criticism Most opposition figures, including Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, remain abroad or incarcerated, and their domestic credibility has eroded due to perceived alignment with Trump [1]. The opposition’s tally shows Edmundo González Urrutia, who stood in for Machado in the 2024 election, winning by roughly 2‑to‑1, a result recognized by the United States and several foreign governments [1]. Nevertheless, many Venezuelans still view Machado as the movement’s symbolic leader [1].
Mixed Venezuelan Public Reaction and International Condemnation Follow Raid Venezuelan streets saw both celebratory rallies and widespread fear; reports cite dozens killed, heightened police patrols, and journalists detained [2][4]. Economic hardships persisted, with soaring prices for staples and continued shortages despite the political shock [2]. The EU, UN, China, and Russia condemned the operation as a breach of international law and called for restraint, while some states urged a peaceful, people‑led transition [3][5].
Sources
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1.
AP: U.S. seizes Nicolás Maduro; vice president Delcy Rodríguez installed as leader while opposition remains exiled or jailed: Details the capture, Rodríguez’s interim appointment, opposition exile, and internal U.S. policy splits .
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2.
BBC: Venezuelans confront uncertainty after US seizure of Nicolás Maduro: Highlights casualties, public fear, economic woes, and Trump’s “run Venezuela” claim .
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3.
The Hindu: Maduro captured by U.S. forces; Rodríguez named interim president as Venezuela crisis triggers global reaction and oil questions: Covers legal aspects, global diplomatic reactions, and oil‑market implications .
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4.
AP: U.S. capture of Maduro sparks leadership crisis as Rodríguez named interim president: Focuses on the leadership vacuum, Rodríguez’s statements, and the uncertain military situation .
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5.
The Hindu: Maduro detained; Delcy Rodríguez named acting president as world reacts to U.S. strikes on Venezuela: Emphasizes international law concerns and worldwide calls for a peaceful transition .
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6.
Newsweek: Delcy Rodríguez named acting president after Maduro detention: Describes the constitutional justification, Trump’s dismissal of Machado, and the “force majeure” framing .
Timeline
2024 – The disputed presidential election sees opposition‑backed Edmundo González Urrutia win by roughly two‑to‑one over Maduro, a result recognized by the United States and other nations, while María Corina Machado remains barred from running and leads the movement from exile[3].
Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. forces conduct a pre‑dawn raid on Maduro’s Caracas compound, seizing President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores and flying them to New York to face narcoterrorism charges; dozens are killed, including 32 Cuban security personnel, sparking accusations of kidnapping and foreign aggression[1][5][6].
Jan 3, 2026 – Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, releases an audio message urging supporters to take to the streets, declaring “you will see us in the streets,” signaling potential armed resistance[5].
Jan 4, 2026 – Venezuela’s Constitutional Chamber invokes Articles 234 and 239 to name Vice‑President Delcy Rodríguez acting president, granting her full presidential powers for up to 90 days, extendable to six months with National Assembly approval[2][5][6].
Jan 4, 2026 – President Donald Trump announces the United States will “run” Venezuela, endorses Rodríguez’s interim leadership, and dismisses Machado as lacking domestic support, framing the move as a direct U.S. governance role[1][2][3][4].
Jan 4, 2026 – Trump claims Rodríguez told him “We’ll do whatever you need” after a lengthy discussion with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, portraying Venezuelan cooperation with U.S. objectives[4].
Jan 4, 2026 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio states Washington will leverage control of Venezuela’s oil reserves to force policy changes, highlighting the strategic importance of the country’s crude output[3].
Jan 4, 2026 – Sen. Lindsey Graham says U.S. policy will build infrastructure in Venezuela and culminate in a free election, though he offers no specific timetable, underscoring a longer‑term democratic goal[3].
Jan 4, 2026 – International leaders react: the EU urges de‑escalation, the UN warns the raid sets a dangerous precedent, and China, Russia, Denmark and others condemn the use of force, while European heads of state (Macron, Merz, Sánchez) call for a lawful, peaceful transition[6].
Jan 5‑7, 2026 – Venezuelans display a split response: some rally in support of the new interim government, others stay indoors fearing reprisals; shortages of staples worsen, streets remain empty, and security forces increase patrols, reflecting deep uncertainty about daily life under Rodríguez[1][4].
Jan 7, 2026 – Trump reiterates that the United States will “run” Venezuela and does not rule out further military strikes, heightening public anxiety about possible additional interventions[1].
2026 (future) – Analysts project that Venezuela’s oil exports could pivot toward U.S. refiners, while OPEC+ signals no immediate output changes, indicating that U.S. control of oil may become a key lever in the coming months[3][5].
2026 (future) – Rodríguez’s interim mandate allows her to govern for up to 90 days, with a possible six‑month extension pending National Assembly consent, but no election date is set, leaving the political transition open‑ended[5][3].