In a historic and controversial development, Delcy Rodriguez, former vice president of Venezuela, has been officially sworn in as the country’s interim president. This comes after the abduction of Nicolas Maduro in a United States military operation, which has sent shockwaves through the South American nation and raised concerns over Venezuela’s sovereignty and political stability.

Delcy Rodriguez Takes Office Amid National Crisis

On Monday, Rodriguez appeared before Venezuela’s National Assembly to take her oath of office. The legislative body, dominated by government loyalists, witnessed Rodriguez vow to restore order, peace, and stability amid the ongoing crisis.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Rodriguez, 56, expressed her grief over the abduction of Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, calling them “heroes held hostage.” She pledged:

“I swear to work tirelessly to guarantee the peace, spiritual, economic, and social tranquillity of our people.”

Rodriguez, a former labor lawyer, has been serving as acting president since the early-morning military operation that resulted in Maduro’s removal. Explosions were reported before dawn on Saturday across Caracas and nearby military installations, heightening tensions in the capital.

Ceremony Highlights Maduro’s Inner Circle Support

The swearing-in was overseen by Rodriguez’s brother, Jorge Rodriguez, the president of the National Assembly, and Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, who held a copy of the Venezuelan Constitution. Key members of Maduro’s inner circle, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, were also present, signaling strong institutional backing within the government loyalist camp.

The ceremony coincided with Maduro’s arraignment in a New York City federal court, where he faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Both Maduro and his wife have pleaded not guilty.

US Involvement and Trump’s Statements

The United States, under President Donald Trump, carried out the operation that removed Maduro. While Trump indicated that the US plans to work with Rodriguez for the time being, he warned that her position could be short-lived if she does not follow US directives.

“If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” Trump told The Atlantic.

Earlier, Trump asserted his administration’s intention “to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.” On Air Force One, he added:

“Don’t ask me who’s in charge, because I’ll give you an answer that will be very controversial. We’re in charge.”

Despite this, Rodriguez has been described as cooperating with the US, even though Trump has not directly communicated with her.

Rodriguez’s Political Background

Delcy Rodriguez is a staunch chavista, closely aligned with the late Hugo Chavez’s left-wing political movement. She has served in multiple ministerial roles under Maduro, including Foreign Minister, and was vice president since 2018. Known for her loyalty to the regime, she represents continuity amid Venezuela’s turbulent political landscape.

Republican officials have acknowledged the practical reality of her control over Venezuela’s military and security apparatus, even if they do not recognize her as the country’s legitimate leader. Senator Tom Cotton told CNN:

“We don’t recognize Delcy Rodriguez as the legitimate ruler of Venezuela. It is a fact that she and other indicted officials are in Venezuela. We have to deal with that fact.”

Venezuela’s Political Turmoil and Contested Elections

Venezuela has faced years of political unrest, marked by disputed elections and economic collapse. Maduro’s claims of victory in the 2018 and 2024 presidential elections were widely contested, with opposition figures like Juan Guaido briefly recognized as president by the US. Protests have often been met with violence, with Human Rights Watch reporting thousands of unlawful detentions and at least 25 deaths during anti-government demonstrations.

Rodriguez assumes office in a highly polarized environment, with the National Assembly dominated by government loyalists and few opposition members participating. This reflects the opposition’s continued boycott of legislative elections, citing widespread electoral fraud.

Implications for Venezuela and the Region

Delcy Rodriguez’s swearing-in marks a critical moment in Venezuela’s ongoing crisis. Her leadership will be tested as she navigates US oversight, internal dissent, and a crumbling economy. Analysts caution that her presidency could either stabilize the country temporarily or deepen the existing political turmoil, depending on how she manages relations with both domestic factions and international powers.

The situation underscores the fragility of Venezuelan democracy and highlights the United States’ increasing influence in Latin American political affairs. As Rodriguez assumes control, the eyes of the world remain on Caracas, waiting to see whether she can steer Venezuela through its most challenging period in decades.