Her boss is in US prison. How the woman running Venezuela got Trump on her side
Her Boss is in US Prison. How the Woman Running Venezuela Got Trump on Her Side
Her boss is in US prison – Venezuela’s political environment has undergone a notable transformation since the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. authorities earlier this year. The interim government, which has been vocal about labeling the current situation a “new political moment,” has seen significant changes, including a major reshuffling of the cabinet and the introduction of policies that favor international investment. A recent military exercise conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas underscores this evolving dynamic. This bold demonstration of U.S. influence in the capital city, unthinkable just a year ago, highlights the strategic adaptation of the Chavista regime, which rose to power 27 years ago through the election of Hugo Chávez.
A New Political Reality
Despite the upheaval caused by Maduro’s capture, the core of Venezuela’s governance remains intact. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has assumed leadership in the interim, appears to be carrying forward the tactics of her predecessors while maintaining the broader goal of securing Chavismo’s dominance. The loss of anti-imperialist rhetoric from the political discourse since Maduro’s detention signals a pragmatic shift, yet the country’s repressive structures persist. Recent reports from the NGO Foro Penal indicate that over 400 political prisoners are still held in custody as of May 25, a number that remains unchanged despite international condemnation from the United Nations International Fact-Finding Mission and potential investigations by the International Criminal Court.
The U.S.-led operation to capture Maduro not only reshaped Venezuela’s political landscape but also redefined its relationship with Washington. While the interim administration has made minor concessions, such as allowing some opposition figures to return to the political scene, the underlying Chavista ideology continues to guide its policies. The amendment to the Chávez-era Hydrocarbons Law, which now centralizes control over oil production and reduces royalties paid to the state, reflects this shift. The law’s revision has opened the door for U.S. and international companies to access Venezuela’s vast energy resources, a move that aligns with the country’s broader economic recovery efforts.
The Strategic Alliance with Trump
Amid these changes, Delcy Rodríguez has found an unexpected ally in U.S. President Donald Trump. Five months after the joint meeting between Maduro’s officials and Trump’s administration, the alliance has deepened. Trump has publicly praised Rodríguez, calling her performance “fantastic” on multiple occasions. This partnership has been reinforced by recent operations, such as the coordinated strike against Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. government. The operation, which resulted in the death of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores—better known as “Niño Guerrero”—demonstrates the level of cooperation between Washington and Caracas.
“We must proceed with patience and prudence, with three very clear objectives, sisters and brothers. The first is to preserve the peace of the Republic, the second is to rescue our hostages, and the third is to preserve political power,” Rodríguez stated during a press conference seven days after Maduro’s capture.
This strategy, articulated by Rodríguez, mirrors the broader U.S. approach under Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s three-phase plan. The first phase, focused on stabilizing the country, has seen the return of several opposition leaders and the emergence of new political figures. The second phase, dedicated to economic recovery, has prioritized opening Venezuela’s resources to foreign investment. However, the third phase—transition to democracy—remains an elusive goal. Despite Rubio’s assertion that this framework aims to eventually lead to democratic reforms, the current administration in Washington seems content with its oversight role, ensuring that Maduro’s successors remain aligned with U.S. interests.
The joint operation targeting Tren de Aragua exemplifies this cooperation. While the Venezuelan government credits the success to intelligence sharing and technical support, Trump emphasized the military strike’s significance, calling it “coordinated closely with our friends in Venezuela, with whom we are working very well.” This partnership has been further solidified by the U.S.’s strategic use of Venezuela’s oil exports, which now play a critical role in funding its military campaigns in the Middle East ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections.
Despite these efforts, the path to democracy in Venezuela remains uncertain. The interim administration’s reliance on U.S. support suggests that maintaining the status quo is more favorable than pursuing political change. The absence of a concrete timeline for presidential elections and the continued existence of a repressive apparatus indicate that the transition process, if it is to happen, will likely be gradual. As the U.S. and Venezuela navigate this complex relationship, the question remains: will the alliance between Rodríguez and Trump serve as a bridge to democratic renewal or a continuation of Chavismo’s grip on power?