Venezuela Court Appoints Delcy Rodriguez as Interim President
Venezuela is in the news again with a dramatic change in its leadership. In a major political development, the Supreme Court of Venezuela has ordered Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez to become the interim President of Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro was detained during a foreign military operation. This article explains what happened, why it matters, and what could happen next.
What Happened in Venezuela? On January 3-4, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly detained by United States forces during a surprise military action. In response to this situation, the Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela’s Supreme Court issued a ruling. The court said that **Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez must serve as interim president because Maduro is no longer present to perform presidential duties. According to the court ruling, Rodríguez would take over the office of the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela “to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the Nation.” The court also said it would further debate how to manage the government and protect national sovereignty while the president is absent.
Who Is Delcy Rodríguez?
Delcy Rodríguez is a Venezuelan politician and lawyer. Before this event, she served as Vice-President of Venezuela since 2018 and also held important government roles, including working as Foreign Minister and later as Oil Minister. She is a long-time close ally of Nicolás Maduro and a senior leader in the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Rodríguez is a well-known figure in Venezuelan politics. Over the years, she gained influence by holding top positions in government and being deeply involved in national decisions. Her political experience and loyalty to Maduro’s government made her a natural choice to be next in line under Venezuela’s constitutional rules.
Why Did the Supreme Court Make This Decision? The Supreme Court made this decision because the presidential office was suddenly left without leadership after Maduro’s detention. Venezuela’s legal system and constitution aim to prevent a power vacuum — a situation where no one has the authority to run the government. In cases where the president is unavailable, the constitution allows the Vice-President to temporarily take over leadership functions to ensure that government work continues smoothly. The Supreme Court used this rule to instruct Delcy Rodríguez to step in. The court stated that Rodríguez should lead the country while also working out the legal framework that will guide Venezuela’s government and keep the nation stable. This includes defending state sovereignty and making sure administrative tasks continue without interruption.
What Is an Interim President?
An interim president is someone who temporarily carries out the duties of the president until the original president returns or a new one is elected. In this case, Delcy Rodríguez will act as interim president only because Nicolás Maduro is absent due to his detention. The goal is to allow the government to keep functioning, avoid chaos, and keep public services working normally. Interim leaders have full presidential powers, but their role is meant to be temporary. The law or constitution usually requires that new elections may be held or that the president resumes duties once able.
How Did the World React? This situation has created a mixed global reaction: United States U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States will work with Delcy Rodríguez and support a transition toward a democratically elected government in Venezuela. Trump also expressed interest in stabilizing Venezuela and its key oil sector.
Venezuelan Government View Rodríguez herself publicly rejected the idea that she would cooperate with the U.S. She called the U.S. operation illegal and accused Washington of foreign intervention aiming to seize power and Venezuela’s resources.
Public Uncertainty Many Venezuelans are confused and uncertain about who is currently in charge due to conflicting statements from U.S. officials and Venezuelan leaders. What Are the Key Issues at Stake? 1. Government Stability The Supreme Court wants to ensure that government operations continue smoothly even when the president is absent. This includes public services, national defense, and administrative duties. 2. National Sovereignty The court stressed the importance of defending Venezuela’s sovereignty, especially in a situation involving foreign military forces. 3. International Relations The events have sparked debates globally about legal authority, foreign intervention, and how other countries should respond to Venezuela’s leadership crisis. 4. Constitutional Law Legal experts are closely watching how Venezuela’s constitution and laws will be applied in the next steps, especially regarding how long Rodríguez will serve and what happens next for national leadership.
What Could Happen Next?
The future is uncertain, but here are some possible outcomes: 1. Return of Maduro If Nicolás Maduro returns or is released from detention, he could resume office — depending on legal and political developments. 2. Elections If the government and the Supreme Court decide elections are needed, then a national election could take place to choose a new president. 3. Continued Interim Period Delcy Rodríguez could continue as interim president for a longer period until the government finalizes arrangements for leadership transitions or elections. 4. Ongoing Debate and Legal Review The Supreme Court and constitutional authorities will likely continue to discuss and define legal steps for governance during this crisis.
Why This Story Matters for the World Venezuela is one of the richest countries in Latin America because of its huge oil reserves. How its government is led affects not only Venezuelans but also global energy markets and international politics. This news is important for people who follow world leaders, political changes, global law, and U.S.–Latin America relations. The decision by Venezuela’s Supreme Court is a major moment in the country’s history.
The Supreme Court of Venezuela has ordered Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez to become interim president after President Nicolás Maduro was detained in a dramatic event that involved foreign military forces. Rodríguez’s role is meant to keep the government working and secure national operations while legal and political issues are sorted out. This event has become a major international news story, raising questions about sovereignty, constitutional authority, and the future of Venezuela’s government.
