CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela has sworn in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president amid a deepening political and diplomatic crisis triggered by the arrest of ousted leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces and his subsequent court appearance in New York.
Rodríguez, 56, took the oath of office during a tense parliamentary session that opened with demands for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were seized during a US operation over the weekend.
Supporters packed the area outside the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas, chanting slogans in defence of the former president and the new interim leader.
Speaking after her swearing-in, Rodríguez said she accepted the role “with pain,” accusing Washington of carrying out “illegitimate military aggression” against Venezuela.
She vowed to safeguard peace and stability, pledging to protect the country’s “economic, social and spiritual tranquillity.”
“The Venezuelan people are suffering the consequences of an armed attack that lacks any legal justification,” she told lawmakers.
Just hours earlier, Maduro appeared in a New York courtroom where he pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and illegal possession of weapons.
During the brief hearing, he insisted he remained Venezuela’s legitimate president.
“I’m a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro told the court, prompting Judge Alvin Hellerstein to caution that there would be “a time and a place” to address those claims.
The dramatic proceedings were briefly disrupted when a member of the public shouted at Maduro in Spanish, telling him he would “pay” for his actions.
Maduro responded by describing himself as a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war” before being led away in shackles alongside his wife.
The arrest has drawn sharp international reactions. Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, told an emergency Security Council session that the country had been subjected to an “illegitimate armed attack” by the United States.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the operation, describing it as a “surgical law enforcement action” against what he called an “illegitimate so-called president” and a “fugitive from justice.”
He argued that Venezuela’s vast energy resources could not remain under the control of a leader facing serious criminal charges.
US President Donald Trump later said Washington would effectively “run” Venezuela until a “safe and proper transition” was achieved. He also promised that US oil companies would move in to repair infrastructure and revive production.
However, the plan drew scepticism on Capitol Hill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the strategy presented to lawmakers was “vague” and “based on wishful thinking,” warning that US-led regime change efforts often backfire.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, by contrast, described the operation as “decisive and justified,” saying the United States had a right to act in defence of its national security and citing pressure through seized oil exports as a tool to force political change.
Despite Washington’s assertions, Maduro’s allies continue to wield influence inside Venezuela.
Rodríguez signalled cautious openness to dialogue, saying her government was willing to cooperate with the US “within the framework of international law” and shared development.
Maduro’s son also addressed the National Assembly, expressing unconditional support for Rodríguez and insisting his parents would eventually return home.
Maduro is expected back in court on March 17 as the political standoff between Caracas and Washington continues to escalate.
