Venezuela Supreme Court Names Delcy Rodríguez Acting President After U.S. Captures Maduro

The Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela’s Supreme Court has named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces, PulseNets learnt.

In a formal decision obtained by PulseNets, the apex court authorised Ms Rodríguez to temporarily take over “the office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the nation.”

The court further stated that it would “determine the applicable legal framework to guarantee the continuity of the State, the administration of government, and the defence of sovereignty in the face of the forced absence of the President of the Republic.”

Sources who spoke to PulseNets confirmed that the ruling was issued hours after U.S. forces carried out a large-scale air raid on Caracas on Saturday, leading to Mr Maduro’s arrest and immediate transfer to the United States.

Speaking at a news conference shortly after the operation, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Washington was considering its next steps regarding Venezuela’s governance, including the option of direct U.S. oversight or allowing the vice president to manage state affairs during Mr Maduro’s absence.

Also Read: U.S. Military Strikes Venezuela, Captures President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady

PulseNets also obtained court filings released on Saturday by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, detailing multiple criminal charges against the Venezuelan leader. According to the documents, Mr Maduro was indicted for alleged cocaine trafficking and several other serious offences linked to transnational organised crime.

The sudden political shift has heightened tensions across Venezuela, with regional observers closely monitoring the Supreme Court’s next legal moves and the international response to the unfolding crisis.