When the Trump administration indicated its willingness to work with Delcy Rodríguez as the interim leader of Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, it was seen as a pragmatic move aimed at ensuring stability during a turbulent transition. Rodríguez, previously vice president and a veteran of internal regime politics, was sworn in Monday as interim president in the presence of her brother Jorge Rodríguez, who leads the National Assembly.
Despite this appointment, sources familiar with developments after Maduro’s removal say that Rodríguez’s authority is limited. They argue that real power over Venezuela’s transition lies with Washington, which may soon require her to take decisive action against key figures in the country’s security apparatus: Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. Both men are indicted in the United States for alleged involvement in drug trafficking through what U.S. authorities call the Cartel de los Soles. The U.S. has placed a $25 million reward on Cabello and $15 million on Padrino López.
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have signaled readiness for further military actions similar to those that led to Maduro’s capture. “The general assumption is that Rodríguez could be next,” one source told the Miami Herald. “But being told to hand over Padrino and Cabello — that’s a very tall order.”
Sources suggest that complying with U.S. demands would constitute an unprecedented betrayal within Chavismo, while refusal could put Rodríguez at odds with American intelligence and diplomatic efforts. “She’s trapped,” said one observer quoted by the Herald. “If she complies, she betrays Chavismo. If she doesn’t, she’s finished.”
Cabello is described by sources as particularly difficult to neutralize due to his guerrilla-style tactics and direct control over dozens of operatives within elite security units. His strategy appears focused on provoking U.S. forces into urban or jungle conflict zones where American casualties could sway public opinion.
The situation is further complicated by instability within Venezuela’s military command structure since Maduro’s ouster; several generals have reportedly gone missing or ceased communication with their units.
Defense Minister Padrino López’s influence has diminished amid depleted state resources and increased scrutiny from abroad, while operational military strength now resides with Army Chief Domingo Hernández Lárez—whose allegiance remains uncertain.
Other power brokers have also emerged or shifted roles rapidly: Javier Marcano Tábata was replaced as head of both the Honor Guard and military intelligence by Gen. Gustavo González López, known for his hardline stance.
Control over the Presidential Honor Guard—which commands Venezuela’s best-equipped armored unit—is seen as crucial for any bid for national leadership; direct confrontation with this force would require significant military mobilization and could trigger civil conflict if aligned against transitional authorities.
Rodríguez also inherits international relationships once managed by former official Tarek El Aissami, including connections with Iran and other actors in radical Islamic networks.
U.S. officials acknowledge limits to their influence despite technological advantages such as AWACS aircraft and drones; they prefer Venezuelans resolve internal conflicts themselves due to risks associated with ground combat against insurgent groups—a lesson underscored by past operations like those in Fallujah.
Audio recordings obtained by sources indicate Cabello is organizing resistance across multiple regions of Venezuela in anticipation of moves against him or his allies.
According to individuals inside and outside Venezuela cited by the Herald, there is an 80% chance Rodríguez will eventually need to facilitate action against both Padrino López and Cabello to maintain cooperation with U.S. intelligence services—though her survival afterward remains uncertain.
Recently, Rodríguez has shifted her public statements toward greater openness about working with Washington—a change noted by President Trump during a telephone interview with NBC News: “I have a feeling she’s cooperating. They need help,” Trump said. “And I have a feeling that Rodríguez loves her country and wants her country to survive.”
