Splits Emerge Among Venezuelans as Revolutionary Dream Fades

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado stated her intention to lead Venezuela "when the right time comes," a day after presenting Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. This comes after the U.S. seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and, instead of endorsing Machado, has been engaging with interim president Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice-president. Trump cited the U.S. experience in Iraq as informing his decision to work with Rodríguez, aiming to avoid instability. Rodríguez and the CIA director met to discuss potential economic collaboration and preventing Venezuela from becoming a haven for U.S. adversaries. Machado expressed confidence in an "orderly transition" in Venezuela and positioned herself as part of a larger movement against what she calls a "criminal structure."

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the continuation of releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro, framing it as a "new political moment." This follows the release of at least four U.S. citizens after Maduro's ousting. Rodríguez stated the release process is ongoing, aiming for political and ideological diversity, while claiming 212 detainees have already been freed, though human rights groups estimate lower figures. She attributed the releases to Maduro's prior efforts to foster understanding, not U.S. pressure. Decisions on future releases will be based on evaluations of crimes related to constitutional order, coordinated by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. President Trump confirmed a recent conversation with Rodríguez, their first since Maduro's capture.

Donald Trump will meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the White House on Thursday to discuss Venezuela's future after Nicolás Maduro's capture by the U.S. Machado's visit comes as the White House has been engaging with Maduro's former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, as interim leader, and is planning to reopen the Venezuelan embassy in Washington. Despite Machado's Nobel Peace Prize and recognition of her replacement as the legitimate winner of the presidential election, Trump has questioned her ability to govern. The meeting's outcome may hinge on Machado's ability to leverage her award to gain Trump's support, as he has expressed interest in sharing the honor.

In January 2026, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, the first call since Nicolas Maduro's abduction by U.S. forces. Rodriguez pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro's presidency, describing the call as productive and focused on a bilateral agenda. Trump praised Rodriguez and expressed optimism about a U.S.-Venezuela partnership concerning oil, minerals, trade, and national security. This follows the abduction of Maduro and his wife by the U.S. military on January 3rd and a cancelled second wave of attacks after Venezuela released prisoners as a sign of seeking peace with Washington. Rodriguez stated Venezuela is entering a "new political moment" with the release of detainees ongoing.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on Thursday, reportedly at President Trump's direction. The two-hour meeting aimed to build trust and communication following the US seizure of former President Nicolás Maduro almost two weeks prior. Discussions included potential economic collaboration and ensuring Venezuela doesn't harbor America's adversaries. The meeting coincided with Rodríguez's first state of the union address, where she announced oil industry reforms to attract foreign investment, a shift from Maduro's policies. Ratcliffe's visit marks the first cabinet-level visit to Venezuela, occurring on the same day Trump met with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington. Rodríguez expressed a willingness to engage in diplomacy with the US, emphasizing the need to defend Venezuela's sovereignty and dignity.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, in Caracas on Thursday, January 16, 2026. This high-profile visit, the first by a U.S. cabinet member since the U.S. military seized President Nicolás Maduro two weeks prior, aimed to convey a message of cooperation. Ratcliffe's visit, directed by President Trump, signaled U.S. support for the interim government as a path to stability. Discussions focused on intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and preventing Venezuela from becoming a haven for adversaries and narco-traffickers. The meeting occurred after Trump spoke with both Rodríguez and opposition leader María Corina Machado, but the visit could be perceived as a snub to the opposition, who hoped for their ally to take power.

The United States State Department has urged American citizens to immediately leave Venezuela due to reports of armed pro-government militias, known as colectivos, searching for U.S. citizens and supporters. This alert follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. and subsequent unrest, including colectivos establishing roadblocks and checkpoints. While Maduro's successor has called for improved relations with the U.S., the State Department warns of a volatile situation with colectivos patrolling Caracas and increased security measures on major roads. The U.S. is advising its citizens to exercise extreme caution and take advantage of available international flights to depart the country. State Department officials visited Caracas on Friday to prepare for the potential reopening of the U.S. embassy.

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has pledged to return to Venezuela "as soon as possible." Speaking from abroad after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado expressed concern over an escalating internal crackdown by the current regime, including the detention of journalists and persecution of those supporting U.S. actions. She cited a sweeping executive order signed by Maduro before his capture that mandates the persecution of Venezuelans who support Trump’s actions. Machado emphasized the need for close monitoring of the situation by the United States and the Venezuelan people to ensure a successful transition. She also criticized Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in as the new leader, deeming her unfit to lead any transitional authority.

Following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan National Assembly convened on Monday, January 5, 2026, demonstrating the continued power of Maduro loyalists. Despite Maduro's removal, his allies remain entrenched across Venezuelan institutions due to decades of purges and ideological indoctrination. Legislators, including Maduro's son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, condemned the U.S. intervention as an illegal kidnapping and rejected President Trump's demands for obedience. The assembly's defiant stance highlights the challenge the U.S. faces in influencing Venezuela, where anti-American sentiment remains strong within the government. The event took place in Caracas, Venezuela.

Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's president on January 5, 2026, following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation. Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, took her oath before the National Assembly, vowing to work for the peace and stability of Venezuela. She condemned the abduction of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The swearing-in ceremony was overseen by Rodriguez's brother, the president of the National Assembly, and Maduro's son. The event occurred as Maduro faced arraignment in a New York City courthouse on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation. The U.S. has signaled that Rodriguez could face consequences if she does not align with U.S. priorities for Venezuela.

In January 2026, Venezuela initiated exploratory talks with the United States to potentially re-establish formal diplomatic ties, which were severed in 2019. This development follows the US military's abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an action widely condemned as a violation of international law. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that US State Department officials are visiting Caracas, and Venezuela plans to send a delegation to Washington. The goal of these discussions is to restore diplomatic missions in both countries after relations deteriorated under President Hugo Chavez and fully ceased when the US recognized Juan Guaido as interim president in 2019. Despite condemning the US action, Rodriguez emphasized the need for dialogue and peace in the region.

In January 2026, the U.S. is pressuring the interim Venezuelan government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, to expel advisors from Cuba, China, Russia, and Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined these demands in a classified meeting with congressional leaders. The U.S. seeks the removal of spies and military personnel from these countries, while potentially allowing some diplomats to remain. This follows the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces and aims to reopen the oil trade between Venezuela and the United States, potentially requiring Venezuela to alter its nationalized oil industry. Rodríguez is attempting to balance protecting Venezuela's sovereignty with avoiding antagonism from the U.S.

Following the U.S. capture of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, both countries announced they are exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic ties. Venezuela stated it would send a delegation to Washington to assess its embassy, while U.S. diplomats visited Caracas to evaluate resuming embassy operations after nearly seven years. The exploratory diplomatic process aims to re-establish diplomatic missions in both countries and address the consequences of Maduro's capture. Despite ongoing tensions and conflicting actions, such as the U.S. targeting drug cartels allegedly linked to the Venezuelan government, both sides have expressed interest in a potential restoration of relations. These developments highlight the rapidly evolving and contradictory nature of the U.S.-Venezuela relationship.

Following the U.S. capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela faces increased instability as armed militias, guerrilla groups, and criminal networks exploit the power vacuum. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, backed by the U.S., now leads the country, but analysts warn that heavily armed groups could derail any progress toward stability. Key figures like Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino must be kept onside to maintain order. Government-aligned militias are already deployed in cities to suppress dissent, while guerrilla groups and organized crime are expanding their influence along Venezuela's borders and in resource-rich areas. The situation creates an environment of instability that benefits these armed actors.

According to Venezuelan officials, a U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," to capture President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, resulted in approximately 100 deaths. The operation, led by Delta Force, took place over the weekend. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported Maduro sustained a leg injury and his wife, Cilia Flores, a head injury. Cuba claims 32 of its military personnel, who were in Venezuela at the request of the government, were also killed during the operation. A U.S. official stated that seven U.S. service members were injured, with five already returned to duty. Venezuela has declared a week of mourning for the deceased military members.

Following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by US military forces, Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, asserted that Venezuela is not being governed by any foreign agent. This statement comes after Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges in a New York court. Venezuela's prosecutor general condemned the US military operation as an act of terrorism and demanded Maduro's release. The operation, which resulted in numerous deaths, has been widely criticized as a violation of international law, with Venezuela and Cuba reporting military casualties. While President Trump initially stated the US would "run" Venezuela, Secretary of State Rubio later clarified that the US would guide the country's direction through sanctions and access to its oil industry.

In January 2026, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, according to the U.S. Following this, President Trump stated that Rodríguez would cooperate with the U.S. in governing Venezuela. However, Rodríguez quickly refuted this in a televised address, condemning the U.S. as an illegal invader and affirming Venezuela's determination to remain free. She emphasized that the U.S. seeks regime change to seize Venezuela's resources. Rodríguez delivered her address alongside Venezuela’s National Defense Council, signaling a unified front against U.S. intervention. She and other Venezuelan leaders continue to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president, defying Trump's demands.