One week after the US arrest of Nicolás Maduro on January 3 and Delcy Rodríguez's subsequent swearing-in as interim president, tensions simmer among holdovers from the old regime. As covered in initial reports on US skepticism and transition vows, shifting alliances raise fears of violence amid US pressure for reforms.
Delcy Rodríguez, 56, former vice president and oil minister with deep chavista ties—including her father killed in 1976 and brother Jorge Rodríguez, National Assembly president—was sworn in on January 5 for an indefinite term, following the Supreme Court's earlier naming of her to the post. Despite constitutional calls for elections within 30 days, President Trump has signaled no rush, warning her of consequences if she fails to comply, while eyeing Venezuela's oil sector for US investment as previously pledged.
Initially defiant, Rodríguez has pivoted toward US cooperation. Her brother administered the oath amid rumors of a 'Madurism without Maduro,' rejected by Washington.
Diosdado Cabello, 62, justice and interior minister with a $25M US bounty for drug crimes, retains control of police and pro-regime 'Colectivos' militias, now manning Caracas checkpoints. Analyst Jesus Renzullo warns he 'will not go down without a fight.'
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, 62, labeled the intervention 'imperial aggression,' claiming 100 deaths including 32 Cubans. Maduro's son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, 35, backs Rodríguez, cautioning against normalizing such arrests.
With opposition calls for democracy ongoing and US oversight vowed, the situation risks armed clashes, per observers.
