Venezuela Strongman and Maduro Ally, Diosdado Cabello, Faces an Uneasy Transition

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Genevieve GlatskyJanuary 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's interior minister, faces an uncertain future despite remaining a powerful figure in the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez. Accused by U.S. prosecutors of drug trafficking and linked to repression, Cabello also has a U.S. bounty on his head. He maintains influence through allies in security services, pro-government militias, and the military, even installing a cousin to head the secret police in 2024. Cabello's anti-imperialist stance and control over key institutions make him a challenge for Rodríguez, who needs to appease the U.S. government. His fate is intertwined with the future of Venezuela's ruling political movement.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mexico 35% SEBIN 55% Juan Pablo Guanipa ×260% Trump administration 65% Delcy Rodríguez ×375% United States ×280% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×285% Venezuela ×790% Diosdado Cabello ×795%

Keywords

diosdado cabello 100% venezuela 90% repression 80% drug trafficking 70% political transition 70% nicolás maduro 60% political repression 50% security services 50% delcy rodríguez 40% u.s. indictment 40%