The Venezuelan Shake-up: Trump Slights Machado, Backs Maduro’s Deputy for Transition

Following the high-stakes U.S. military operation "Southern Spear" that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president. While Caracas labels Maduro’s detention a "kidnapping by foreign aggression," President Donald Trump revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already established a direct line with Rodriguez. Trump described her as "ready to do what is necessary," signaling a pragmatic U.S. shift toward working with remnants of the current administration to ensure stability.

In a move that stunned international observers, Trump explicitly ruled out opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as a future leader, claiming she lacks the necessary "respect" within the country. This pivot leaves the Venezuelan opposition in a precarious position as Maduro prepares for a federal trial in New York on Monday, facing charges of "narcoterrorism." Meanwhile, global powers like Russia, China, and France have condemned the military strike as a violation of international sovereignty, warning of a dangerous precedent in global affairs.