At a Glance
- US military seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday.
- Vice President Delcy Rodríguez ordered to assume interim presidency.
- President Donald Trump claims U.S. will take control, citing Rodríguez’s cooperation.
- Why it matters: The move sparks a constitutional crisis and international debate over sovereignty.
On Saturday, a U.S. military operation reportedly removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, prompting Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to step into an interim role while President Donald Trump announced plans for U.S. control. The situation has triggered a sharp backlash from military officials, opposition leaders, and ordinary citizens in Caracas.
Immediate Aftermath
The high court ordered Rodríguez to become interim president, but state television still identified her as vice president. No swearing-in ceremony was broadcast, and she denied cooperating with the U.S. She called the operation an atrocity violating international law.
President Donald Trump told reporters:
> “She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.”
Delcy Rodríguez said:
> “What is being done to Venezuela is an atrocity that violates international law.”
Delcy Rodríguez also said:
> “We’ll do whatever you need.”
Military and Public Reaction
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López declared:
> “They have attacked us but will not break us.”
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned:
> “These rats attacked and they will regret what they did.”
Some supporters burned American flags, while many stayed indoors out of fear.
Constitutional and Political Implications
The constitution requires a new election within a month if the president is absent, but the extraordinary nature of the intervention raises questions about whether succession applies. Analysts like David Smilde suggest power brokers may stay united, but the weakened military could be vulnerable.
David Smilde said:
> “These leaders have all seen the value of staying united. Cabello has always taken a second seat or third seat, knowing that his fate is tied up with Maduro’s, and now he very well might do that again.”
David Smilde added:
> “If it doesn’t have much firepower anymore, they’re more vulnerable and diminished.”
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for Edmundo González to assume the constitutional mandate and promised to restore order. President Trump dismissed her chances, saying:
> “I think it would be very tough for (Machado) to be the leader. She’s not have the support or respect within the country.”
Key Takeaways
- US military operation removed President Nicolás Maduro.
- Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is the interim president but has not publicly cooperated with the U.S.
- The constitutional crisis raises uncertainty about the next election and military stability.
The crisis underscores the fragile state of Venezuelan governance and the international tensions that have escalated into a dramatic power shift.
