Venezuela has been thrust into deep political and diplomatic turmoil following the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro by United States forces and the subsequent swearing-in of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the country’s interim leader.
The dramatic developments have sparked global outrage, emergency sessions at the United Nations Security Council, and sharp divisions within the United States itself over what President Donald Trump has described as a “law enforcement operation” but critics call an illegal act of regime change.
Maduro Arrested in US Raid
The crisis escalated after US forces carried out an overnight operation on Saturday that resulted in the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. According to US officials, the operation involved more than 150 aircraft and 200 personnel entering Venezuelan territory in what Washington termed a “surgical operation” aimed at apprehending a fugitive from justice.
Maduro was flown to the United States and appeared in a New York courtroom just hours later, charged with four serious offences, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons.
During the 30-minute court session, the 62-year-old leader pleaded not guilty to all charges.
“I’m a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro told the court, insisting that his arrest amounted to an abduction.
At one point, a member of the public shouted in Spanish that Maduro would “pay” for his actions. The former leader turned and responded that he was a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war” before being escorted out in shackles alongside his wife.
Presiding Judge Alvin Hellerstein, 92, interrupted Maduro’s remarks, telling him there would be “a time and a place” to address political claims.
UN Emergency Session Sparks Diplomatic Clash
Even before Maduro’s court appearance, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to discuss the unfolding crisis in Venezuela.
Venezuela’s ambassador to the UN, Samuel Moncada, condemned the US operation as an “illegitimate armed attack lacking any legal justification” and accused Washington of violating international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the United States faced intense criticism from several member states, with calls for restraint and respect for international norms.
Responding to the backlash, US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz defended the operation, describing Maduro as “an illegitimate so-called president” and a “fugitive from justice.”
Waltz argued that Venezuela’s vast energy reserves could not be allowed to remain under the control of what he called a criminal regime.
“The largest energy reserves in the world cannot be left in the hands of an illegitimate leader,” he said.
Rodríguez Sworn In as Interim President
As Maduro stood before a US judge, Venezuela’s National Assembly convened in Caracas to swear in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president.
Rodríguez, 56, who has served as vice president since 2018, took the oath of office during a parliamentary session that began with demands for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife from US custody.
Visibly emotional, Rodríguez said she was deeply pained by what she described as the “kidnapping” of the country’s elected leader.
“I take this oath with pain because of the suffering caused by illegitimate military aggression,” she told lawmakers.
She vowed to safeguard national peace and stability, promising to protect “the spiritual tranquillity of our people, the economic and social tranquillity of our people.”
Public Demonstrations and Political Unity
Thousands of Venezuelans gathered outside the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas to show support for Maduro, his wife, and the newly sworn-in interim president.
Waving flags and chanting slogans, demonstrators accused the US of imperialism and called for Maduro’s return.
During the session, Maduro’s son addressed the assembly, pledging his “unconditional support” for Rodríguez and expressing confidence that his parents would eventually return to Venezuela.
“They will return,” he said, drawing applause from lawmakers and supporters.
Trump Defends Operation, Faces Domestic Criticism
Speaking just hours after the raid, President Trump vowed that the United States would “run” Venezuela until what he called a “safe and proper and judicious transition” could be achieved.
He later promised that US oil companies would move into Venezuela to repair infrastructure and “start making money for the country,” remarks that further inflamed criticism from international observers.
Following a classified briefing at the US Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s plan.
“The plan was vague, based on wishful thinking, and unsatisfying,” Schumer said.
“I did not receive any assurances that we would not try to do the same thing in other countries.”
Schumer warned that US-led regime change efforts historically end up damaging American interests.
“When the United States engages in this kind of regime change and so-called nation building, it always ends up hurting the United States,” he said.
In contrast, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson praised the operation as “decisive and justified.”
“The US has always maintained the right to use force to defend our national interest, to preserve the safety of the American people and to prevent ongoing threats to its security,” Johnson said.
He added that the seizure of Venezuela’s oil exports would pressure the country into accepting new leadership “in very short order.”
Trump Warns Rodríguez
In comments to The Atlantic published on Sunday, Trump issued a stern warning to Rodríguez after it became clear she would assume interim leadership.
“She could pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” Trump said, if she failed to “do what’s right.”
Despite the threat, Rodríguez struck a more conciliatory tone during a cabinet meeting, signalling openness to limited cooperation with Washington.
“We invite the US government to collaborate with us on an agenda of co-operation orientated towards shared development within the framework of international law,” she said.
Maduro’s Allies Remain in Control
Despite the arrest of Maduro, his political allies remain firmly in control of key state institutions, raising questions about the effectiveness of US efforts to reshape Venezuela’s leadership.
Analysts warn that the situation could evolve into a prolonged standoff, with potential consequences for regional stability, global energy markets, and international law.
What Comes Next
Maduro’s next court appearance has been scheduled for March 17, as the legal battle in the United States unfolds alongside political upheaval in Caracas.
As tensions remain high, the world is watching closely to see whether diplomacy, legal proceedings, or further confrontation will shape the future of Venezuela.