Uncertainty swept through Venezuela on Saturday as citizens grappled with the unexpected fallout of a U.S. military operation that captured President Nicolás Maduro. “What will happen tomorrow? What will happen in the next hour? Nobody knows,” lamented Caracas resident Juan Pablo Petrone, reflecting the anxiety that has gripped the nation.
In a surprising turn, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. might sideline Maduro in favor of someone more cooperative, suggesting that Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s vice president since 2018, could assume control. Trump characterized Rodríguez as someone “willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” despite her previous sanctions under his administration for undermining democracy.
Long queues formed outside supermarkets and gas stations as Venezuelans, accustomed to crisis, rushed to stock up on essentials. While small pro-government rallies occurred, many streets remained eerily quiet in this nation of 29 million.
In a stark contrast, Trump dismissed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado-a Nobel Peace Prize laureate-suggesting she lacked the necessary support to lead the country. He claimed Rodríguez expressed a willingness to cooperate during discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating, “‘We’ll do whatever you need.’” Trump emphasized the importance of ensuring that any new leadership prioritizes the welfare of the Venezuelan people.
Rodríguez attempted to project a sense of unity among the ruling factions, condemning the U.S. intervention as a gross violation of international law. “There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolás Maduro,” she affirmed, standing with key military and civilian leaders. However, the absence of a formal swearing-in ceremony for Rodríguez raised questions about her legitimacy, as state television did not broadcast any such event.
Venezuelan experts noted that the constitution requires new elections if the president is absent, though the specifics of this situation complicate that interpretation due to the extraordinary circumstances. Military officials, including Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, issued defiant statements, underscoring their commitment to protecting national sovereignty.
“We have been attacked but will not be broken,” Padrino López stated. Cabello urged citizens to unite in defense of their country, expressing disdain for U.S. actions.
Meanwhile, Caracas resident Yanire Lucas described the fear and uncertainty permeating households following an early-morning explosion near her home. “What is happening is unprecedented,” she said, emphasizing her family’s palpable anxiety.
Rodríguez, educated in the U.K. and France, has been an advocate for the socialist revolution initiated by the late Hugo Chávez. She and her brother, Jorge, maintain robust political standing, largely avoiding U.S. indictments. Rodríguez has cultivated relationships with influential U.S. Republicans, particularly in the oil sector, distancing herself from hardline military figures who traditionally influence political outcomes in Venezuela.
As political tensions escalate, opposition leader Machado has called on her ally Edmundo González to take the helm as commander-in-chief, asserting, “Today we are prepared to assert our mandate and take power.” In response to Machado’s ambitions, Trump remarked, “I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader,” insinuating a lack of respect for her within the country, which sparked widespread discussion on social media.
This ongoing crisis underscores Venezuela’s precarious political landscape, with deep-rooted divisions and uncertainty about the path forward. As the world watches closely, the potential for change or further chaos hangs in the balance.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/03/venezuelans-wonder-whos-in-charge-as-trump-claims-contact-with-maduros-deputy.html
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Publish Date: 2026-01-04 05:00:00
