In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is set to take over as the nation's acting President. This follows the detention of President Nicolas Maduro by American military forces in an operation authorised solely by US President Donald Trump.
Supreme Court Mandates Leadership Change
The Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela's Supreme Court issued a decisive ruling on Saturday. The court formally ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the presidential duties. This move aims to ensure the government continues to function following the sudden and forced absence of the sitting president.
The court's official statement, as reported by Reuters, clarified that Rodriguez would take up "the office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the Nation." This legal step was taken directly in response to the capture of Nicolas Maduro during the US-led military action.
Legal Framework and National Sovereignty
The Supreme Court's ruling also outlined its next steps. The judicial body announced it would hold further debates on the matter. The goal is to "determine the applicable legal framework to guarantee the continuity of the State, the administration of government, and the defense of sovereignty in the face of the forced absence of the President of the Republic."
This indicates that while Rodriguez assumes immediate executive control, the long-term constitutional and political path forward remains under active judicial review. The situation places Delcy Rodriguez, a key political figure and former foreign minister, at the helm during an unprecedented international crisis for Venezuela.
Unprecedented US Action Triggers Crisis
The entire political upheaval stems from a unilateral military operation sanctioned by US President Donald Trump. American forces successfully detained President Nicolas Maduro, an action that has immediately escalated tensions between the two nations and drawn global attention.
The event, dated 4th January 2026, marks a significant escalation in the longstanding political conflict between the US administration and the Venezuelan government. The world now watches closely as Delcy Rodriguez steps into a role defined by immense domestic challenge and intense international scrutiny.
This remains a developing story. Further updates are expected as the situation evolves.
