Caracas, Venezuela – Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has reaffirmed the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s leader, despite his detention in the United States, marking a complex moment in the nation’s political landscape and its evolving relationship with Washington. The statement comes as the two countries appear to be cautiously re-engaging, with discussions focused on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
“I can tell you, President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president. I will tell you this as a lawyer, that I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent,” Rodríguez told NBC News in an interview. Maduro is currently being held in a federal detention facility in New York, having been captured by U.S. Forces last month. He has pleaded “not guilty” to charges including drug-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, asserting from court that “I’m innocent… I am a decent man… I am still president of my country.”
Rodríguez, asserting her own constitutional authority, stated, “I can tell you I am in charge of the presidency of Venezuela, as it’s stated clearly in the constitution of Venezuela.” This declaration underscores the ongoing internal power dynamics within Venezuela, even as Maduro remains incarcerated abroad.
The shift in Rodríguez’s tone is notable. Initially strongly critical of the U.S. Military action following Maduro’s capture on January 3rd, she has since indicated a willingness to engage with the administration of President Donald Trump. She has confirmed having held two conversations with Trump and hinted at a potential visit to the United States, a development that would have been unthinkable just weeks ago. This softening of stance coincides with a high-profile visit by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, signaling ongoing negotiations regarding the distribution of Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.
The evolving dynamic between Caracas and Washington follows years of strained relations, marked by U.S. Sanctions and accusations of authoritarianism leveled against Maduro’s government. The capture of Maduro and subsequent discussions suggest a potential, albeit delicate, realignment of interests, primarily centered around energy security. Venezuela possesses some of the largest proven oil reserves in the world, a resource that could be strategically important to the United States.
Beyond the immediate focus on Maduro’s legal case and oil negotiations, Rodríguez also addressed concerns surrounding opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Dismissing concerns about Machado’s safety, she stated, “With regards to her life, we do not understand why there’s such a fuss about it.” Rodríguez further indicated that Machado would be held accountable for past actions, specifically her calls for military intervention and sanctions against Venezuela. Machado recently presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump during a visit to the White House, a gesture that highlights the complex web of political alliances and rivalries at play.
The Venezuelan government has also begun a process of releasing prisoners detained under Maduro’s rule, a move reportedly encouraged by the Trump administration. Rodríguez announced that this process “has not yet concluded,” framing it as part of a broader effort to usher in “a new political moment” in Venezuela. A Venezuelan human rights organization estimates that approximately 800 political prisoners remain in detention, including political leaders, soldiers, lawyers, and civil society members.
President Trump described his recent conversation with Rodríguez as “great” and “long,” stating they “discussed a lot of things.” This suggests a direct line of communication has been established, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels. The implications of this direct engagement remain to be seen, but it signals a willingness on both sides to explore potential avenues for cooperation.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, and unpredictable. While Maduro’s detention presents a significant challenge to the legitimacy of his government, Rodríguez’s continued assertion of his presidency and the ongoing negotiations with the United States suggest a complex and evolving political landscape. The release of political prisoners and the potential for increased oil exports could offer a glimmer of hope for a nation grappling with economic and political turmoil, but the long-term stability of Venezuela remains uncertain.
