Delcy Rodriguez Sworn In as Venezuela's Interim President

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s vice president since 2018, was sworn in as the country’s interim president during a parliamentary session marked by demands for the release of ousted leader Nicolás Maduro from US custody.

Rodríguez, 56, described the US action as the “kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were seized in an overnight US military and law enforcement raid on Saturday.

Just two hours earlier, Maduro appeared in a New York courtroom, insisting he remained president of Venezuela while pleading not guilty to four charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons-related offenses.

Key Highlights

• Delcy Rodríguez sworn in as interim president amid US seizure of Maduro
• Maduro pleads not guilty in New York, calls himself a kidnapped president
• UN debates legality as US defends operation and signals control over oil

During the hearing, a courtroom outburst prompted Maduro to call himself a “kidnapped president” and “prisoner of war” before being escorted out in shackles. Judge Alvin Hellerstein cautioned him that there would be a “time and place” to address his claims.

The crisis sparked sharp exchanges at the UN Security Council, which held an emergency session. Venezuela’s ambassador Samuel Moncada condemned the US action as an “illegitimate armed attack,” while US ambassador Mike Waltz defended it as a “surgical law enforcement operation,” calling Maduro an “illegitimate so-called president” and “fugitive from justice.”

US President Donald Trump said the US would “run Venezuela” until a proper transition, drawing criticism from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called the plan vague and risky. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson termed the operation decisive, citing seized oil exports as leverage. Trump also pledged US oil companies would help rebuild infrastructure.

Despite this, Maduro’s allies remain in control. Rodríguez invited limited cooperation with the US under international law, vowed peace and stability, and received public backing from thousands outside the Federal Legislative Palace.

Also Read: Pope Urges US to Avoid Military Action Against Venezuela's Maduro

Maduro’s son pledged unconditional support and said his parents “will return.” The next court hearing in Maduro's case has been scheduled for 17 March.