Venezuela's Supreme Court Appoints Acting President Following Reports of Maduro's Capture by U.S. Forces

Rewritten Story:

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president, citing the need to ensure governmental continuity after President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly captured by U.S. forces and flown to the United States. The court’s Constitutional Chamber announced the move on Saturday, framing it as a legal measure to preserve state sovereignty and administration during what it termed Maduro’s “forced absence.”

Rodríguez, a longtime ally of Maduro and former foreign minister, immediately demanded Maduro’s release and vowed that Venezuela “will never again be a colony.” She stated Caracas is open in principle to “respectful relations” with Washington, but firmly rejected foreign control. Her appointment comes amid escalating tensions following a U.S. military operation that American officials claim targeted Maduro for narco-terrorism charges.

Key Points:

Acting President Appointed: Venezuela’s Supreme Court has constitutionally named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president to ensure government continuity.

Reason Given: The court cited President Nicolás Maduro’s “forced absence” after he was reportedly captured and renditioned to the U.S. to face criminal charges.

Rodríguez’s Response: The new acting president demanded Maduro's immediate release, declared Venezuela “will never again be a colony,” but expressed openness to respectful dialogue with the U.S.

International Reactions: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed “firm solidarity” with Venezuela, while U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Washington would oversee a transition.

Underlying Dispute: The crisis stems from long-standing U.S. accusations of narco-terrorism against Maduro’s government, which Caracas denounces as a pretext for regime change.

Essence:

In response to the alleged capture of President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, Venezuela’s Supreme Court has moved to ensure constitutional continuity by installing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president. Rodríguez has struck a defiant tone against perceived foreign intervention while leaving the door open for diplomatic engagement, setting the stage for a volatile political and international crisis centered on sovereignty and judicial claims.