CARACAS: Delcy Rodriguez, widely known for her anti-imperialist rhetoric and dubbed “the tigress” by toppled leader Nicolas Maduro, assumed presidential powers in Venezuela following Maduro’s capture by US forces in an extraordinary raid early Saturday.

The 56-year-old lawyer seeks to portray herself as a steady hand to lead the country’s political transition. Following the capture, Rodriguez insisted Maduro remained the “only president” of Venezuela and demanded his release, stating the government in Caracas stood ready “to defend” the country.

However, Venezuela’s Supreme Court subsequently ordered her to assume presidential powers “in an acting capacity.” She is the first woman to hold the top post in the country. On Sunday, the military — which had repeatedly vowed loyalty to Maduro — recognised her as the country’s interim leader.

A fierce defender of the former president, Rodriguez has served in successive governments of Maduro and his firebrand predecessor, Hugo Chavez, holding roles including foreign minister.

Trump warns she faces ‘bigger price’ than predecessor if demands ignored

She has served as Maduro’s vice president since 2018 and assumed the role of minister of hydrocarbons in 2024, a critical post in a nation boasting the largest proven oil reserves in the world.

“She has probably been one of Maduro’s most trusted people over the years,” Pedro Benitez, a political analyst at the Central University of Venezuela, said.

The political stakes for Rodriguez are high. US President Donald Trump has made clear that regaining access to Venezuelan oil wealth is a central goal of his pressure campaign.

Mr Trump warned Rodriguez could face a fate worse than Maduro if she fails to heed US demands on policy reforms and oil access. “If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” Trump told The Atlantic.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday the United States would consider working with Venezuela’s remaining leaders if they make “the right decision.”

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2026