Following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States on January 3, 2026, Venezuela entered a brief period of political uncertainty. In the immediate aftermath, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, 56, was sworn in as acting president by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, tasked with maintaining administrative continuity and safeguarding national security.

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Immediate Role After Maduro’s Abduction

US President Donald Trump initially bypassed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, citing her lack of sufficient support or “respect” to lead Venezuela, and recognized Rodriguez as the country’s interim leader.

Trump claimed Rodriguez was willing to cooperate with Washington on economic and administrative matters. Yet, Rodriguez immediately condemned the US military actions, calling them “brutal aggression” and demanding Maduro’s release. She stated firmly:

“There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro.”

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Revolutionary Roots and Early Life

Delcy Rodriguez was born in Caracas on May 18, 1969, into a family deeply involved in leftist politics. Her father, Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, was a left-wing rebel and founder of the Socialist League party, who died under torture in police custody in 1976—a tragedy that shaped Rodriguez’s political outlook.

Her brother, also named Jorge Rodriguez, currently serves as the head of the National Assembly, reinforcing the family’s political influence.

Rodriguez earned her law degree from the Central University of Venezuela and rose quickly through the political ranks, becoming a key figure in Hugo Chavez’s socialist “revolution” and later serving under Maduro.

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Political Career and Ministerial Roles

Rodriguez has held multiple high-profile positions:

• Minister of Communication and Information (2013–2014)
• Foreign Minister (2014–2017)
• President of the pro-government Constituent Assembly (2017), which expanded Maduro’s powers
• Vice President (2018–present)

She simultaneously served as finance and oil minister, giving her extensive influence over Venezuela’s economy and its critical oil industry, particularly as the country faced escalating US sanctions.

Rodriguez is often seen as more moderate than the military-aligned figures of Chavez’s era, yet she is recognized for her unwavering loyalty to Maduro. Maduro himself called her a “tiger”, praising her bravery, revolutionary credentials, and political experience.

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Economic Expertise and International Engagement

Rodriguez’s management of Venezuela’s oil and finance ministries positioned her as a key interlocutor with international stakeholders, including some US oil companies and Republican figures on Wall Street.

She has been involved in negotiations and discussions with high-profile individuals like Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, and Richard Grenell, former Trump envoy, aiming to balance international engagement with Venezuela’s socialist policies.

Her economic stewardship has included efforts to combat hyperinflation and manage the country’s vital oil industry under sanctions.

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Acting President Amid Crisis

After Maduro’s abduction, the Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela’s Supreme Court formally instructed Rodriguez to assume the role of acting president to ensure administrative continuity and national defense.

Rodriguez has demanded proof of life for Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and warned that US military actions set a dangerous precedent for all nations. Her initial statements and constitutional mandate indicate that her powers, while significant, may be temporarily limited to essential governance functions until Maduro’s status is clarified.

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Summary: A “Tiger” of the Bolivarian Revolution

• Name: Delcy Eloína Rodriguez Gomez
• Born: May 18, 1969, Caracas, Venezuela
• Education: Law degree, Central University of Venezuela
• Political Affiliation: Chavista (socialist, following Hugo Chavez’s legacy)
• Key Roles: Vice President, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Communication, Finance, and Oil; Head of Constituent Assembly
• Current Role: Acting President of Venezuela (following Maduro’s abduction)
• Notable Traits: Loyal to Maduro, experienced in government administration, skilled in managing Venezuela’s economy and oil sector

Rodriguez represents the continuity of Chavez’s socialist revolution, balancing loyalty to Maduro with her expertise in economic and international affairs, now thrust into the spotlight as Venezuela navigates an unprecedented political crisis.