Washington Prioritizes Stability in Choice of Venezuela’s Interim Leader

Following the recent removal of Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, the Trump administration has recognized Delcy Rodríguez as the head of Venezuela’s “interim authorities.” The decision to back Rodríguez, a former Marxist guerilla’s daughter and Maduro’s vice president, over opposition leader María Corina Machado has raised questions regarding US strategy in the region.

During a news conference on Saturday, President Donald Trump described Rodríguez as “gracious” while dismissing Machado—a Nobel Peace Prize winner whose movement is widely believed to have won the 2024 presidential elections—as “not respected” inside Venezuela.

According to diplomatic experts, the move suggests a preference for continuity to avoid chaos. Charles Shapiro, the US ambassador to Caracas from 2002 to 2004, stated that the administration opted for “stability over democracy.” He noted that while the dictator was removed, the regime’s structure and personnel remain, a strategy he characterized as “risky as hell.”

Analysts point to fears that a total regime change involving Machado could trigger violence. An October report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) warned that elements of the security forces might launch a guerilla war against new authorities. Furthermore, appointing Machado risked internal opposition conflict and the alienation of the estimated 30% of voters who supported Maduro.

The speed of the transition led to speculation regarding Rodríguez’s involvement. Former CIA officer Lindsay Moran suggested that high-placed sources likely existed within the vice president’s office, noting that Rodríguez survived the political shift while Maduro did not. However, Phil Gunson of the ICG disputes the idea of a conspiracy. He argues that real power still lies with loyal Maduro allies like Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, leaving Rodríguez defenseless if she had betrayed the former dictator.

The decision has surprised some observers. Kevin Whitaker, a former deputy chief of mission at the US embassy, criticized the disqualification of Machado, noting that her movement was “massively elected” by the Venezuelan public.