Sunday, January 11, 2026- In a dramatic shift, Venezuela’s acting leader Delcy Rodríguez has moved to the center of U.S. strategic planning following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to U.S. custody to face federal charges.
With Maduro removed from power, Rodríguez long the government’s chief economic and political operator has emerged as the figure Washington views as essential to preventing chaos and restarting Venezuela’s stalled economy. President Trump has signaled that Rodríguez is central to U.S. plans for the country, particularly efforts to unlock Venezuela’s oil sector and create pathways for U.S. access, investment, and influence during a tightly managed transition.
Rodríguez’s importance lies in her control over the machinery that keeps Venezuela functioning. She has overseen the economy during years of sanctions, managed oil negotiations, and maintained working relationships across the military and state institutions.
U.S. officials see her as a pragmatic actor capable of delivering short-term stability while advancing American strategic and economic interests. Direct pressure from Washington has reportedly focused on cooperation, market access, and political concessions, making Rodríguez not just a successor figure but a decisive power broker in shaping Venezuela’s immediate future.
At the same time, Rodríguez faces mounting internal risks. She must navigate demands from the United States while holding together a fractured ruling coalition and avoiding backlash from hardline factions that reject foreign influence.
Her recent calls for cooperation and calm reflect an urgent attempt to keep oil revenues flowing and prevent further economic collapse. The choices she makes now whether to align with U.S. objectives or push back to preserve autonomy will determine the speed of Venezuela’s recovery and redefine its position in the global energy and political landscape.
0 Comments