Rodríguez: Maduro Still Venezuela’s President

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has asserted that Nicolás Maduro remains the country’s legitimate president, even as the United States deepens engagement with Caracas and moves forward with energy cooperation tied to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

Legitimacy Claim and Constitutional Authority

In her first interview with an American journalist since assuming office, Rodríguez told NBC News that Maduro’s presidency remains lawful. Speaking as a lawyer, she said both Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were innocent and emphasized that her current role is defined by Venezuela’s constitution.

Rodríguez added that the workload of the presidency reflects the seriousness of the responsibility, describing her role as intensive and ongoing, handled “day by day.”

Shift in U.S.–Venezuela Relations

Rodríguez’s comments come weeks after Maduro was captured by U.S. forces and transferred to federal detention in New York, a development that initially drew sharp criticism from Caracas. Since then, her tone toward Washington has softened amid talks with the Trump administration.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to Caracas this week as both sides finalized arrangements on oil production and exports. Wright said cooperation had progressed rapidly, citing what he described as verified information sharing and early policy changes, including amendments to Venezuela’s hydrocarbon law.

Oil Sales and U.S. Leverage

Wright said more than $1 billion in Venezuelan oil has already been sold, with an additional $5 billion in expected sales in the coming months. He noted that while Venezuelans retain authority within the country, the United States now holds significant leverage over government revenues through control of oil-related income flows.

According to Wright, continued access to revenue depends on positive reforms that benefit both Venezuelans and U.S. interests, while any reversal could quickly trigger financial pressure.

Political Openings and Persistent Controls

Rodríguez’s rise follows a nontraditional path. Sanctioned during Trump’s first term and the daughter of a revolutionary figure, she has navigated a rapid transition amid domestic and international scrutiny.

In recent weeks, dozens of political prisoners have been released and public protests have taken place outside Venezuela’s highest court—actions that previously could have led to arrests. However, concerns remain. Prominent opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa was rearrested shortly after his release and placed under house arrest, according to his family.

Opposition Figures and Elections

Questions also persist over the future of opposition leader María Corina Machado. Rodríguez dismissed safety concerns surrounding Machado but said she would need to answer for past calls for sanctions and foreign intervention if she returns.

Rodríguez insisted that Venezuela conducts frequent elections and remains committed to holding future votes in line with constitutional requirements. She said political dialogue would be necessary to ensure elections proceed in a fair and orderly manner.

Oil Trade and Security Claims

Rodríguez said Venezuelan oil sales to the United States are conducted commercially through the state firm PDVSA, with prices set through standard international mechanisms to ensure revenues are used domestically.

She also rejected allegations linking Venezuela to drug trafficking, citing reports by U.S. and United Nations agencies that she said found the country is not a major transit route for narcotics bound for the United States.

As diplomatic engagement deepens, the trajectory of Venezuela’s political opening—and the durability of U.S. cooperation—remain closely watched both at home and abroad.