Sun Jan 04 12:21:08 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite:

Summary:

Following a US military intervention and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim president. This move was surprisingly endorsed by US President Trump, who dismissed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, despite her prior support and Nobel Peace Prize. Rodriguez, a long-time figure in the Chavista movement, has criticized the US action and demanded Maduro’s release. Despite her socialist background, she is perceived by some as more moderate and has developed ties with US interests. Her appointment is based on a ruling by Venezuela’s Supreme Court. The situation remains fluid, with questions surrounding the extent of her power and the future of Venezuela.

News Article:

Venezuela in Turmoil: Rodriguez Sworn in as Interim President After Maduro Abduction

CARACAS, VENEZUELA – A power vacuum has emerged in Venezuela following a US military strike and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez unexpectedly taking the helm as interim president. The move was seemingly endorsed by US President Donald Trump, a surprise given his past support for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Rodriguez, 56, a staunch defender of the socialist “revolution” of the late Hugo Chavez, was sworn in after the chaos of the US intervention. In a stunning turn, Trump dismissed Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as lacking the necessary support to lead Venezuela. He stated that Rodriguez had engaged in productive talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was “essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.”

However, Rodriguez has publicly condemned the US military action as “brutal aggression” and demanded Maduro’s immediate release, stating defiantly on state television, “There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro.”

A lawyer and long-time Chavista, Rodriguez has served in key government positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the pro-government Constituent Assembly. Despite her socialist background, she is sometimes perceived as more pragmatic than other Chavistas and has cultivated relationships with US figures in the oil industry and on Wall Street.

The Venezuelan Supreme Court has mandated Rodriguez’s role to ensure “administrative continuity.” However, uncertainty remains regarding the scope of her powers and the future direction of Venezuela. The situation is tense, with Rodriguez calling on Latin America to remain united.

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