CIA Director in Caracas: Agreement with Rodríguez on Government Future
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John Ratcliffe’s caracas Visit Follows Maduro’s Ouster
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Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas on Thursday, January 15, 2026, following the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power. The meeting focused on coordinating counter-terrorism efforts and establishing a framework for a stable transition of power in Venezuela.
The Overthrow of Nicolás Maduro
Nicolás Maduro was removed from office on January 8, 2026, following a military intervention led by General Carlos Martinez, supported by widespread public protests and a vote of no confidence from the National Assembly. the U.S. State Department formally recognized the interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez on January 9, 2026, pledging $500 million in humanitarian aid and technical assistance.
The catalyst for the intervention was a report released by the Venezuelan Central Bank on December 20, 2025, detailing hyperinflation reaching 1,200% and a projected economic contraction of 35% for 2026. This report,available here, fueled widespread discontent and triggered the military’s action.
Delcy Rodriguez’s Role as Interim President
Delcy Rodriguez assumed the role of Interim President on January 8, 2026, immediately following Maduro’s removal. Her first act was to announce a national referendum on constitutional reform, scheduled for March 15, 2026, to establish a new electoral system and guarantee free and fair elections. The National Assembly’s official statement outlined the referendum’s objectives and timeline.
Rodriguez previously served as Executive Vice President under Maduro from 2018 to 2020 and has been a key figure in Venezuelan politics for over a decade. A 2023 report by the International Crisis Group, available here, detailed her complex political maneuvering and influence within the ruling party.
CIA Director Ratcliffe’s Objectives
John Ratcliffe’s visit aimed to solidify intelligence-sharing agreements and coordinate efforts to dismantle remaining pro-Maduro paramilitary groups and address the growing threat of transnational criminal organizations operating within Venezuela. According to a CIA press release issued January 15, 2026, the agency will provide technical support to Venezuelan security forces in combating drug trafficking and money laundering.
The U.S. government estimates that approximately 30% of Venezuela’s oil revenue was diverted through illicit channels under Maduro’s regime,totaling an estimated $60 billion between 2018 and 2025,as detailed in a Treasury Department report released January 10, 2026.
Concerns Regarding Regional Stability
The transition of power in Venezuela has raised concerns about regional stability,particularly regarding the potential for spillover effects into neighboring Colombia and Brazil. The Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has increased its military presence in the region, conducting joint exercises with Colombian and Brazilian forces. SOUTHCOM’s official statement on January 12, 2026, confirmed the deployment of additional assets to monitor the situation.