Her boss is in US prison. How the woman running Venezuela got Trump on her side
Her Boss in US Prison: How Delcy Rodríguez Secures Trump’s Support
Her boss is in US prison – Venezuela’s interim government faces a unique challenge as its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, remains incarcerated in a US prison. This situation has sparked a strategic shift in the country’s political dynamics, with acting President Delcy Rodríguez navigating a delicate balance between maintaining Chavismo’s influence and aligning with US President Donald Trump. The “new political moment” described by Venezuela’s interim administration reflects a recalibration of power, underscored by recent changes to laws that favor international investment and a military exercise at the US Embassy in Caracas.
The Chavista Survival Strategy
Since Maduro’s capture by US forces earlier this year, Venezuela’s political landscape has transformed significantly. Despite the initial shock of his detention, Rodríguez has continued the legacy of Hugo Chávez’s regime, prioritizing the preservation of Chavismo’s control. While anti-US rhetoric has softened, the core objectives of the government remain unchanged: to sustain its grip on power and avoid a democratic transition. The lack of a concrete timeline for presidential elections highlights the regime’s resistance to reform, even as it engages in diplomatic overtures with Washington.
Strategic Concessions and US Influence
Rodríguez’s approach has been marked by tactical flexibility. A leaked video of a meeting with pro-government journalists revealed her deliberate messaging under US pressure, emphasizing three key goals—preserving the Republic’s peace, rescuing hostages, and securing political dominance. This strategy has paid off, with the US administration expressing satisfaction over her alignment. The recent joint operation against Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, further illustrates the deepening partnership between Caracas and Washington.
Trump’s public praise for Rodríguez, calling her work “fantastic,” underscores the political calculus at play. The US benefits from Venezuela’s oil supply, which has become critical as it intensifies military campaigns in the Middle East ahead of the November midterms. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s government credits the operation with showcasing its collaboration with the US, highlighting shared intelligence and technical expertise. Analysts describe this alliance as a form of “normalization without transition,” where stability is maintained at the expense of broader political change.
The government’s recent amendments to the Chávez-era Hydrocarbons Law signal a willingness to adjust policies in exchange for US backing. These changes decentralize oil production control and reduce state royalties, opening the door for foreign investment. However, the repressive apparatus remains intact, with over 400 political prisoners still in custody as of May 25. This contradiction between economic reforms and political repression defines the current era, where Rodríguez balances pragmatic concessions with the enduring goal of Chavismo’s survival.
Washington’s Role in Venezuela’s Governance
The US’s role in Venezuela’s administration has grown under Trump’s leadership. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s three-phase plan—prioritizing stability, recovery, and eventual democratic transition—has positioned the country in its second phase. Yet, the emphasis on economic recovery suggests a preference for incremental progress over sweeping reforms. General Dan Caine’s visit to Caracas, alongside Rodríguez’s diplomatic trip to India, reinforces the bipartisan support for the interim government’s approach, despite its controversial methods.
As Maduro’s imprisonment continues, the question remains: will Rodríguez’s alignment with the US lead to genuine political change, or will it solidify the regime’s hold on power? The recent military strike that killed Tren de Aragua’s leader, Niño Guerrero, exemplifies the US’s growing involvement in Venezuela’s security affairs. While the government claims this operation was a joint effort, it also underscores the extent to which Washington is willing to support Caracas’s leadership in exchange for strategic advantages. The path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—Rodríguez’s partnership with Trump is shaping the country’s political future in ways that prioritize stability over democracy.
