US President Donald Trump warns Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez that she could face harsher consequences than Maduro if she does not cooperate, raising tensions after US forces captured Maduro in a January 2026 raid.
New Delhi: Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez has set up a high-level commission to push for the immediate release of removed President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were captured in a US military raid in Caracas on January 3, 2026.
This development comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. US President Donald Trump warned that Rodriguez “may pay a bigger price than Maduro” if she does not cooperate, while claiming the US is effectively “in charge” of the oil-rich nation. Rodriguez condemned the operation as an “illegal kidnapping” and “barbaric,” reaffirming Maduro as the legitimate president.
Maduro is currently detained in New York, awaiting a court hearing on January 5, 2026, on drug-related and narco-terrorism charges.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Key Event |
|---|---|
| January 3, 2026 | US forces carry out air strikes and a raid in Caracas, capturing Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores. Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) orders Delcy Rodriguez to assume the acting presidency for 90 days, citing “foreign military aggression.” |
| January 4, 2026 | Delcy Rodriguez forms the high-level commission to secure Maduro’s release, holds her first cabinet meeting as interim president. President Trump issues warnings in interviews. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino reports casualties and activates the armed forces. Protests erupt in Caracas demanding Maduro’s release. |
| January 5, 2026 | Nicolas Maduro is scheduled to appear before a New York judge on drug-related and narco-terrorism charges. |
Details of the Commission and Venezuelan Response
The commission, confirmed by Minister of Communication Freddy Ñáñez, is chaired by Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy’s brother and President of the National Assembly. Other members include Foreign Minister Yván Gil, Vice Minister for International Communication Camilla Fabri, and Ñáñez.
The commission’s role is to pursue diplomatic channels for the “immediate release” of Maduro and Flores. Rodriguez has also called for a “balanced and respectful” relationship with the US.
Rodriguez called the US operation a “savage attack” on Venezuela’s sovereignty, a “cowardly kidnapping,” “shameful,” and “barbaric.” She confirmed Maduro as the legitimate president. Initially, she described him as the “only” leader, though she later softened her tone to allow for dialogue.
Defense Minister Padrino supported her role, said that the attackers killed a ‘large part’ of Maduro’s security detail in cold blood, and activated the armed forces. Cuba confirmed that the raid killed 32 of its nationals.
Profile of Delcy Rodriguez
Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, 54, has served as Maduro’s Executive Vice President since 2018. She also oversaw Venezuela’s oil sector and intelligence services. She is the daughter of Marxist leader Jorge Antonio Rodríguez, who died in 1976 after interrogation during a kidnapping operation.
Her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, leads the National Assembly and chairs the new commission. People view Delcy as more moderate than Maduro, but she remains a key ally. She held her first cabinet meeting as interim president on January 4, 2026.
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US Stance and Escalating Tensions
President Trump stated on January 4, 2026, that the US is “in charge” of Venezuela. He claimed direct contact with Rodriguez and said she is “cooperating.” In an interview with The Atlantic, Trump warned she “may pay a bigger price than Maduro” if she does not act as expected and mentioned the possibility of a second strike or operations in Colombia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that the US is not “running” Venezuela, emphasizing that Rodriguez could be a partner. Reports suggest the UAE may be mediating backroom negotiations for Maduro’s removal.
International Reactions and Broader Implications
• China demanded the immediate release of Maduro and Flores, calling the detention a “breach of international law.”
• France’s President Emmanuel Macron suggested opposition figure Edmundo González to lead a democratic transition.
• Cuba condemned the raid after confirming 32 nationals were killed.
The crisis has sparked fears of civil war, further US intervention, or continued governance under Rodriguez. Protests in Caracas continue, including by militia groups demanding Maduro’s release.
Maduro’s court appearance on January 5, 2026, may escalate tensions further. Authorities urge everyone to follow official updates closely.
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