Political Tensions Surge in Venezuela After Maduro's Capture

Thu Feb 19 2026 05:35:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent capture of Nicolás Maduro has led to a chaotic power struggle in Venezuela, raising questions about leadership and the future of US involvement in the region.

In a surprising twist following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, President Trump announced that Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez is open to cooperating with the US government to ensure a smoother transition. This announcement contrasts sharply with Rodríguez's denouncement of Maduro's arrest as a 'kidnapping', sparking confusion and speculation about Venezuela's political future amidst international scrutiny.

Many of those who tuned in to US President Donald Trump's news conference were likely anticipating dramatic details about the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, following a military operation. However, a striking moment came when Trump revealed that the US would 'run' Venezuela until a safe and judicious transition could occur.

Trump also mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been in talks with Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, allegedly suggesting she was 'willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again'. But Rodríguez soon countered these claims, branding the detention of Maduro as a kidnapping and asserting that Venezuela refuses to become a colony of any other nation.

The conflicting positions have raised significant questions regarding who holds power in Venezuela currently. Following Maduro's apprehension, Venezuela's constitution designates the Vice President as the acting president in cases of presidential absence, leading to the Supreme Court's designation of Rodríguez as the acting head of state.

While US and international recognition of Maduro's presidency has been contentious, with allegations of an illegitimate electoral process in 2024, the current political dynamic remains fluid. Rodríguez, who has close ties with Maduro’s government, has been seen in the company of key military and political figures, indicating her support may reside within Maduro's inner circle.

Despite this, the Trump administration's support for her is cautious, as evident from Rubio's comments that future actions, not just words, will dictate the nature of US relations with a post-Maduro Venezuela. Talks of potential new elections arose, but both the opposition and observers continue to express concerns regarding the legitimacy of any transitional government amidst heavy influence from Maduro’s loyalists.

With a backdrop of the latest military actions and a consolidated position from his government, the unfolding scene in Venezuela presents a complex and precarious political tableau, with Rodríguez possibly caught between pressure from US officials and the unwavering loyalty of Maduro's supporters.