Venezuela’s military has recognised Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the country’s acting president following the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro by United States forces.
The endorsement was announced on Sunday by Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, who said the armed forces were acting in line with a ruling of the Supreme Court that appointed Rodriguez as interim leader for a 90-day period.
The court order was issued on January 3, 2026, after US forces extracted Maduro from Venezuela and flew him out of the country to face trial abroad.
In a televised statement, Padrino urged citizens to remain calm and return to their normal routines, including economic, educational and work activities, after days of tension sparked by the US operation.
“I call on the people of Venezuela to resume their activities of all kinds — economic, work and education — in the coming days,” he said.
“The homeland must follow its constitutional course.”
Amid growing uncertainty following Maduro’s removal, Padrino publicly threw his support behind Rodriguez, who had earlier been described by US President Donald Trump as a political figure Washington could engage with.
However, the defence minister strongly condemned the US action, describing it as a “cowardly kidnapping.” He alleged that several of Maduro’s bodyguards were killed during the operation, along with Venezuelan military personnel and civilians.
Venezuelan authorities have yet to release an official figure on casualties resulting from the US strikes and extraction mission.
On Sunday, parts of Caracas remained largely deserted, with many businesses closed. Only small queues were seen at markets and pharmacies as residents stayed indoors amid uncertainty over the unfolding political situation.
Venezuela Military Backs Delcy Rodriguez as Acting President After Maduro’s Seizure
