Key takeaways

• Classified CIA intel shows President Trump backing Delcy Rodríguez for Venezuela’s leadership
• Trump rejects opposition leader María Corina Machado despite praising her months ago
• The CIA believes Delcy Rodríguez and other hardliners can keep Venezuela stable
• Trump wants firm control over Venezuela’s oil and rebuilding efforts
• Nicolás Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges in New York

Delcy Rodríguez Gains Trump’s Backing

A new report reveals that President Trump privately chose Delcy Rodríguez to lead Venezuela if Nicolás Maduro loses power. In fact, classified CIA intel influenced his decision. Trump met with top aides and reviewed the spy agency’s assessment. As a result, he decided Rodríguez could best maintain order. Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize nominee María Corina Machado was left out. This move surprised many in the opposition. Just months ago, Trump praised Machado as the voice of the Venezuelan people. However, he now sees the main opposition as failures.

Why Trump Backs Delcy Rodríguez

Trump’s choice of Delcy Rodríguez stems from the CIA report. The agency said Rodríguez, along with two other hardliners, could prevent chaos. They named Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino as allies. According to the assessment, these figures have strong ties to Venezuela’s security forces. As a result, they can keep protestors in check. Moreover, Trump believes Rodríguez will allow “total access” to oil and other resources. He said, “We’re in charge” of rebuilding Venezuela. In fact, Trump wants U.S. companies to profit from oil deals.

Reactions from the Venezuelan Opposition

Opposition leaders reacted with shock and frustration. María Corina Machado’s team felt snubbed by Trump’s private call. They believe she won the people’s trust through peaceful protests. Yet Trump views her and other opposition figures as disappointing. “They failed to deliver,” said a former White House Latin America official. Many critics argue that hardliners will only deepen human rights abuses. They warn that a power handover to Delcy Rodríguez could mean more repression. Meanwhile, some moderate voices call for a new strategy. They suggest building alliances within the opposition first.

Maduro’s New York Court Appearance

While Trump picked his preferred leader, Nicolás Maduro landed in New York City. He faces narco-terrorism charges in federal court. On Monday, Maduro pleaded not guilty. In fact, he appeared calm and defiant in court. U.S. prosecutors accuse him of running a cocaine trafficking network. Maduro denies all charges and calls them political theater. Nevertheless, the trial raises the stakes for Venezuela’s future. If convicted, Maduro could face decades in prison. However, the trial is unlikely to remove him from power at home.

The Road Ahead for Venezuela

Venezuela faces a crucial crossroads. On one hand, Trump’s backing of Delcy Rodríguez could shift power behind closed doors. On the other hand, the opposition pushes for free and fair elections. For ordinary Venezuelans, the main hope lies in ending shortages and curbing inflation. Yet uncertainty looms. If Delcy Rodríguez rises, many expect tighter controls on protests. Meanwhile, international pressure on Maduro grows as the trial proceeds. In fact, some countries call for diplomatic talks to avoid more unrest. As a result, the future remains unclear.

FAQs

Who is Delcy Rodríguez?

Delcy Rodríguez currently serves as Venezuela’s vice president. She is a close ally of Nicolás Maduro and a veteran of his inner circle.

Why did Trump reject María Corina Machado?

Trump views Machado and other opposition leaders as failures. He believes they could not deliver stability, so he chose hardliners instead.

What charges does Nicolás Maduro face?

Maduro faces U.S. narco-terrorism charges. Prosecutors accuse him of leading a cocaine trafficking ring that funded his regime.

How likely is Delcy Rodríguez to lead Venezuela?

While Trump backs her, actual power shifts depend on events in Caracas. Hardliners must secure control within Venezuela first.