Mr. Trump’s “endorsement” of Ms. Rodriguez as Washington’s preferred interlocutor reveals the contradictions at the heart of Venezuela’s new political reality. Mr. Trump had tacitly accepted her interim authority, heeding the CIA’s suggestion that the Bolivarian state apparatus was more cohesive and capable during the crisis. For Ms. Rodriguez, this U.S. imperialist conjuncture represents a difficult choice. Mr Maduro managed to retain power only by dubious means in the 2024 elections. The challenges Ms. Rodriguez faces are greater than before.

Source: The Hindu January 11, 2026 07:48 UTC