Venezuela Swears In Delcy Rodríguez as Interim President Following Maduro’s Defiant Court Appearance in US
Venezuela swore in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president hours after ousted leader Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York courtroom, where he pleaded not guilty to serious drug trafficking and terrorism charges while insisting he remains the legitimate president.
Rodríguez, 56, who has served as vice president since 2018, took the oath in a session of the National Assembly that opened with strong demands for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were captured by US forces in a large-scale overnight military operation on Saturday involving more than 150 aircraft and 200 personnel.
During her swearing-in ceremony, Rodríguez expressed deep pain over what she described as the kidnapping of Maduro and Flores. She vowed to maintain peace and ensure the spiritual, economic, and social tranquility of the Venezuelan people amid what she called illegitimate military aggression. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas to rally behind Maduro, his wife, and the new interim leader.
Maduro's son addressed the assembly, pledging unconditional support to Rodríguez and stating that his parents would return to Venezuela.
In a subsequent cabinet meeting, Rodríguez extended an invitation to the United States for collaboration on shared development within the framework of international law.
The developments came shortly after Maduro's 30-minute arraignment in Manhattan federal court, where he faced four charges: narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such items. Appearing shackled and alongside his wife, Maduro declared himself innocent and a decent man while affirming he is still president of Venezuela.
When a member of the public shouted accusations in Spanish, Maduro responded by calling himself a kidnapped president and prisoner of war before being escorted out. Judge Alvin Hellerstein, 92, interrupted Maduro's statements, noting there would be time for such matters later. Flores also pleaded not guilty. The next hearing is scheduled for March 17.
The US operation drew sharp international condemnation. An emergency United Nations Security Council session addressed the crisis, with Venezuela's ambassador denouncing it as an illegitimate armed attack without legal justification. The US ambassador defended the action as a surgical law enforcement operation, arguing that the world's largest energy reserves could not remain under an illegitimate leader and fugitive from justice.
US President Donald Trump has stated that American forces would oversee Venezuela until a safe and judicious transition occurs, promising involvement of US oil companies to repair infrastructure. He warned Rodríguez of severe consequences if she fails to cooperate, while seizing Venezuelan oil exports as leverage.
Domestic US reactions were divided. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the transition plan as vague and based on wishful thinking, expressing concerns about potential similar actions in other countries and noting that regime change efforts often harm US interests. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson called the operation decisive and justified, emphasizing the right to use force for national security.
Despite the US intervention, Maduro's allies retain control of key state institutions in Venezuela, signaling continued resistance to external pressure as the nation navigates this unprecedented crisis.