Delcy Rodríguez Hires US Lobbyist for Presidential Bid
- Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez has engaged a California-based attorney to represent her interests in Washington, according to a filing with the U.S.
- The move signals a strategic effort to manage high-stakes litigation involving state assets and lay the groundwork for a potential future presidential bid.
- Rodríguez assumed power as Venezuela’s acting president following the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S.
Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez has engaged a California-based attorney to represent her interests in Washington, according to a filing with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The registration, filed on April 14, 2026, lists attorney Jihad M. Smaili as her representative following an oral agreement reached on April 11.
The move signals a strategic effort to manage high-stakes litigation involving state assets and lay the groundwork for a potential future presidential bid. Smaili’s role encompasses legal defense, diplomatic lobbying, and political positioning, with responsibilities including representing Rodríguez in current and future litigation concerning the state-owned oil company Pdvsa and its U.S. Subsidiary, Citgo, as well as various claims brought by creditors.