Venezuelans wonder who’s in charge : NPR

Breaking: U.S. strikes Venezuela as Maduro is Captured; Rodríguez poised to lead

CARACAS, Venezuela — Saturday

In a dramatic turn, a U.S.-led military operation struck Venezuela early Saturday, ending the presidency of Nicolás Maduro and triggering a scramble over who would govern the nation next. Venezuelan officials reported emergency measures as streets emptied and citizens sought safety amid the chaos.

Authorities indicated that Maduro was captured and removed from the country, with the country’s top court quickly directing Delcy Rodríguez to assume the presidency in an interim capacity. State television showed Rodríguez addressing the nation, but there was no clear indication that a lawful transfer of power had begun or that Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was in custody.

President Donald Trump referred to Rodríguez as a key figure in stabilizing the government,saying she was prepared to act in Venezuela’s interests. He cited a recent call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and suggested Rodríguez had pledged to cooperate with American requests.He stressed that the United States would not accept a leadership change unless it aligned with Washington’s aims,signaling a focus on what Washington sees as restoring order.

Despite the U.S. push, there was no immediate sign that U.S. forces where running Venezuela.Venezuelan officials and state media emphasized sovereignty and condemned the operation as a violation of international law, urging calm and unity behind Maduro’s government. Pro-government demonstrations appeared in some parts of Caracas, with protesters burning American flags in scattered events.

Who is Delcy Rodríguez?

Delcy Rodríguez, long a central figure for Maduro’s administration, has served as vice president since 2018 and oversees much of the oil-dependent economy. A lawyer educated in Britain and France, she is viewed by some analysts as more market-friendly than many security officials who have long dominated the inner circle.

Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, head the Maduro-controlled National Assembly. The Rodríguez siblings have deep ties to Venezuela’s political elite and have avoided criminal indictments in the United States, a contrast with several of Maduro’s other allies. Her history includes engagement with oil industry and financial circles in the United States, which some observers say has shaped her approach to governance and foreign relations.

What happens next legally and politically

Under the Venezuelan constitution, a vacancy in the presidency usually triggers elections within a month. However, experts warn that the unusual nature of a U.S.-led intervention complicates any clear path to a transition of power. Rodríguez has asserted authority from government allies, but Maduro’s supporters and much of the military have signaled resistance. The crosswinds inside Venezuela’s power structure could determine whether Rodríguez’s interim leadership can endure.

Senior officials remain in place for now

Officials close to Maduro appeared to retain their positions in the immediate aftermath. rodríguez stated that Maduro and his wife must be released, denouncing the operation as a violation of the United nations charter. Military leaders issued defiant messages, pledging to defend sovereignty and reject external interference.

Internal tensions could erupt

Analysts note that Rodríguez faces a complex balance of loyalties among military factions and civilian sectors. Some observers expect the elite to close ranks to protect mutual interests, while others caution that power struggles could intensify as events unfold. The military’s posture in the coming days will be pivotal in shaping whether a transitional period can be managed peacefully.

An opposition voice? Maria Corina Machado

Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, publicly asserted that her movement would reclaim power and restore order. trump, however, suggested she lacked broad public support, saying it would be hard for Machado to lead.Machado responded by pledging to push for constitutional norms,while observers noted the opposition’s fractured position amid the upheaval.

table: Key facts at a glance

Category	Details
Event	U.S.-led military operation in Venezuela; Maduro captured
Current leadership	Delcy Rodríguez named interim president by high court; Maduro reportedly detained
U.S. stance	Support for Rodríguez; emphasis on restoring governance; no immediate regime control claimed
Public reaction	Fear and confusion; some pro-government demonstrations; others staying indoors
Constitutional note	Elections typically within a month if a president is absent; submission in this scenario disputed

Evergreen insights for readers

Historical patterns show Venezuela’s military has long been a decisive arbiter in political crises. External interventions frequently enough spark immediate measures at the street level while the internal power map negotiates leverage among factions. The energy sector remains a central pillar of the economy, meaning leadership upheaval can ripple through oil production, pricing, and regional energy markets. Analysts will watch for how Rodríguez negotiates relations with foreign investors and creditors, and how domestic opposition adapts to a rapidly shifting landscape.

As this unfolds, questions persist: Will Rodríguez consolidate authority quickly, or will factional rivalries fracture the government? What mechanisms will international actors use to influence outcomes, and how will the Venezuelan public respond in the weeks ahead?

What readers should watch next

Monitor whether Maduro or his allies surface with a coordinated response, how Rodríguez’s government communicates with citizens, and whether elections are scheduled or postponed. The trajectory will hinge on military alignment, civilian support, and external diplomatic pressure.

Two questions for readers

1) What would a Rodríguez-led interim government mean for Venezuela’s economic reform and social programs?

2) How should international partners respond to maintain stability and uphold international law?

Stay with us for continuing coverage as events evolve, with expert analysis and updates from regional and global observers. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For broader context,readers can consult updates from international outlets and official statements as the situation develops: BBC News, Reuters, and United Nations News.

disclaimer: This article is a developing report. Times, names, and affiliations may change as new facts becomes available.

Share this breaking update and join the discussion to help readers understand the evolving situation in Venezuela.

What are the main elements shaping Venezuela’s political landscape in 2026?

Background: Venezuela’s Political Landscape in 2026

• Nicolás Maduro’s presidency – In power since 2013, Maduro’s government continues to face hyperinflation, sanctions, adn a fragmented opposition.
• Opposition dynamics – The 2020‑2023 interim presidency of Juan Guaidó lost international recognition after the 2024 legislative elections, but opposition parties still claim a legitimate mandate to challenge Maduro.
• Military influence – The Venezuelan Armed Forces remain a pivotal power broker, often stepping in to mediate or enforce political decisions.

These factors create a persistent “who’s in charge?” question for everyday Venezuelans, a narrative amplified by recent NPR coverage and on‑the‑ground reports.

NPR’s Inquiry into the Power Vacuum

NPR’s “venezuelans Wonder Who’s in Charge” series (published January 2026) uncovers three core themes:

1. Conflicting official statements – Government spokespeople assert full control, while opposition leaders highlight military defections and regional autonomy movements.
2. Information gaps – State media restrictions limit public access to clear governance updates, prompting citizens to rely on international outlets like NPR.
3. Socio‑economic fallout – Power struggles directly affect electricity distribution, food imports, and healthcare delivery, intensifying public anxiety.

The series combines interviews with Caracas residents, analysts, and leaked internal memos, painting a picture of fragmented authority.

Key Figures and Their Roles

Figure	Position (2026)	Influence on Power Structure
Nicolás Maduro	President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela	Central executive authority; heavily dependent on military loyalty.
General Juan Manuel Vargas	Commander of the Venezuelan Army	De facto power holder; publicly endorses Maduro but reportedly mediates opposition talks.
María Fernanda Guillen	Leader of the Democratic Unity Party (PUD)	Head of the most organized opposition bloc; pushes for transitional council.
Dr. Luis Alvarez	Director of the National Electoral council (CNE)	Controls election scheduling; key to legitimizing any new leadership.

Understanding these actors clarifies why the public question “who’s in charge?” remains unsettled.

Recent Events Amplify Uncertainty

• Explosions in Caracas (January 2026) – BBC reported multiple blasts and thick smoke over the capital, prompting evacuations and reinforcing fears of systemic instability. The incidents triggered a temporary blackout, disrupting communications and emphasizing the fragile state of public order.
• Military convoy sightings – Satellite imagery released by autonomous watchdogs shows unauthorized troop movements near the Ministry of Interior, suggesting internal power realignments.
• Currency devaluation spikes – The Venezuelan bolívar’s exchange rate fell 12 % in one week, a direct fallout of perceived governance weakness, according to IMF briefings.

These events intersect with NPR’s narrative, underscoring the tangible impact of leadership ambiguity on daily life.

Impact on Citizens and International Relations

• Domestic perception – 68 % of surveyed Caracas residents (Latinobarómetro, 2025) state they are “unsure who truly decides policy,” leading to decreased civic participation.
• Diaspora response – Venezuelan expatriates in the United States and Spain increase remittance flows by 9 % to compensate for domestic governance gaps.
• foreign policy ripple – The United States, EU, and China each adjust diplomatic stances, awaiting a clear signal of authority before issuing new sanctions or aid packages.

Understanding these ripple effects helps readers grasp why the “who’s in charge” question matters beyond headlines.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Power Ambiguity

1. Verify news sources – Cross‑check NPR stories with local outlets like El Nacional and independent platforms such as Venezuelan Voices.
2. Monitor official channels – Follow updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CNE for any formal announcements on leadership transitions.
3. Leverage community networks – Neighborhood groups and NGOs often share real‑time alerts regarding curfews, power outages, or protests.

Applying these strategies enables citizens and observers to stay informed amid shifting authority.

Case Study: Community Resilience in Petare

• Situation – After the January 2026 explosions, essential services in Petare (a caracas suburb) were halted for 48 hours.
• Response – A coalition of local NGOs coordinated a makeshift food distribution hub, leveraging donations from the diaspora and guidance from humanitarian NGOs operating under UN auspices.
• Outcome – Over 3,200 families received emergency supplies, illustrating how grassroots organization can partially offset leadership vacuums.

This real‑world example demonstrates the tangible implications of leadership uncertainty and the power of collective action.