Rodriguez sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president after Maduro’s capture

Venezuela’s National Assembly on Monday swore in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, two days after her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, was seized by United States forces and flown to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

Rodríguez, who previously served as vice president, took the oath during a special parliamentary session in Caracas, pledging to lead the country while demanding the return of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

“I take this oath in the name of all Venezuelans. I am deeply pained by the kidnapping of our heroes being held in the United States,” she said.

Lawmakers also re-elected her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, as parliament speaker, further cementing the family’s influence over both the executive and legislative arms of government. Speaking after his reelection, he vowed to fight for Maduro’s return.

“All avenues will be explored to bring back Nicolás Maduro Moros, my brother and my president,” he declared.

Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, also addressed lawmakers, assuring citizens of stability and continuity. “Count on me, count on my family. Venezuela remains in safe hands until my parents return,” he said.

While parliament rallied behind the new leadership, protests continued outside the assembly, with thousands of Maduro supporters marching in Caracas. One protester told AFP:
“Whether Maduro has a case to answer or not, this was not the right way to do it.”

The US operation that captured Maduro was ordered by former President Donald Trump and involved coordinated air and naval strikes early Saturday. Venezuelan lawmaker Fernando Soto Rojas condemned the move, accusing Washington of acting as “judge and policeman of the world.”

Tensions remained high in the capital following Rodríguez’s inauguration, with reports of gunfire near the Miraflores presidential palace and drones spotted overhead before security forces restored order.

The Supreme Court had earlier authorized Rodríguez to assume office in an acting capacity, while the military pledged its loyalty on Sunday. Maduro Guerra later emphasized Venezuela’s call for respectful international relations, insisting the nation seeks “equality, mutual respect, and cooperation without interference.”

Rodríguez has signaled readiness to engage with Washington, though Trump warned she could face consequences if she fails to meet US demands regarding reforms and oil policy.

The transition unfolds amid heightened uncertainty, with the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) dominating parliament after elections widely boycotted by the opposition.