Venezuela US
Government supporters rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores.
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Venezuelans are trying to understand who is in charge after the United States announced the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela's constitution says the vice president should take over, and President Donald Trump says his administration has been in contact with Maduro’s deputy, Delcy RodrÃguez. But RodrÃguez is trying to project unity among the ruling party’s factions while downplaying any hint of betrayal. Venezuela’s high court has ordered her to assume the role of interim president. Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition leader MarÃa Corina Machado says her movement is ready to assert authority. She cites its reported victory in the disputed 2024 election. But Trump indicated that Machado lacks the popular support to govern.
