Venezuela Top Court Names Delcy Rodriguez Interim President After Maduro Detention

After the reported detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, Venezuela's Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, according to a ruling cited by Reuters on Sunday.

The court said Rodríguez would assume Maduro's responsibilities to ensure continuity of government, manage state affairs and oversee the country's defense during what it described as the president's“forced absence.”

In its decision, the court said a legal framework had been activated to safeguard state institutions and national sovereignty, stressing that the transfer of authority was temporary and aimed at maintaining constitutional order.

U.S. special forces carried out a pre-dawn operation in Venezuela on orders from President Donald Trump, U.S. officials have said, amid explosions and heightened military activity reported in parts of Caracas.

Trump has claimed Maduro was detained during the operation and transferred to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and other crimes, though Venezuelan authorities reject the legality of the move.

The United States has long accused Maduro of running what it calls a“narco-state” and has imposed sweeping sanctions on Venezuela while supporting opposition efforts to force political change. Maduro, who took power in 2013 after Hugo Chávez's death, has consistently denied the allegations.

Venezuela's Supreme Court is widely seen by critics as aligned with the ruling party, a factor that has previously fueled disputes over the legitimacy of its decisions during past political crises.

Rodríguez's interim appointment is expected to deepen tensions at home and abroad, with allies of Caracas condemning U.S. actions as a violation of sovereignty and Washington insisting it acted within the law.

As uncertainty grows over Venezuela's leadership and next steps, analysts warn the standoff could trigger further instability in the oil-rich country and reverberate across the region.

MENAFN04012026000228011069ID1110552370