Tue Jan 06 05:15:40 UTC 2026: ### Trump Backs Maduro Loyalist Rodriguez as Venezuela’s Interim President

The Story:
According to a classified CIA assessment presented to U.S. President Donald Trump, senior Maduro loyalists, specifically Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, were deemed best positioned to maintain stability in Venezuela should Nicolas Maduro lose power. This assessment reportedly influenced President Trump’s decision to support Delcy Rodriguez as interim President over opposition leader María Corina Machado. The White House, while declining to confirm the report, stated that President Trump and his national security team are making decisions to align Venezuela with U.S. interests and improve the country for its people.

Key Points:

  • A classified CIA assessment suggested Delcy Rodriguez could maintain stability in Venezuela.
  • President Trump was briefed on the assessment.
  • The assessment was a factor in Trump’s decision to back Rodriguez over Machado.
  • The White House did not confirm the report but emphasized aligning Venezuela with U.S. interests.
  • Delcy Rodriguez attended her swearing-in ceremony as Venezuela’s interim President on January 5, 2026.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of the article and historical context provided suggests that the decision to back Delcy Rodriguez might be a continuation of a regime change approach, but with a revised strategy. The context includes “Here’s how the US imposed regime change overnight in Venezuela,” which suggests prior attempts that might have been unsuccessful. The context of “Why Trump’s regime-change playbook won’t work in Iran” implies the U.S. is also taking geopolitical factors into account and potentially modifying its strategies based on the specific context of each nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • U.S. policy towards Venezuela appears to be driven by a desire for stability and alignment with U.S. interests.
  • The U.S. government relies on intelligence assessments to inform its foreign policy decisions.
  • There is a potential shift in U.S. strategy, moving away from outright regime change to supporting figures perceived as capable of maintaining stability, even if they are aligned with the previous regime.
  • The backing of Delcy Rodriguez signals a pragmatic approach that prioritizes perceived stability over ideological alignment with democratic ideals.
  • The choice to back Rodriguez will likely be highly controversial and draw criticism from those who support democratic change in Venezuela.

Impact Analysis:
This decision to support Delcy Rodriguez as interim President could have long-term implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations.

  • Domestic Venezuelan Politics: It might solidify the position of Maduro loyalists within the country and suppress opposition movements.
  • International Relations: It could strain relations with other nations supporting democratic reforms in Venezuela.
  • U.S. Credibility: It may damage the U.S.’s image as a champion of democracy, raising questions about its commitment to democratic principles.
  • Economic Impact: The decision could influence future investment and trade relations between the U.S. and Venezuela.
  • Regional Stability: Depending on how the interim government functions, this decision could either contribute to or destabilize the broader Latin American region.

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