Questionable Alliances: Delcy Rodríguez's Rising Influence in Post-Maduro Venezuela

Sat Jan 17 2026 20:46:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the U.S. government pivots its strategy towards Venezuela following Nicolas Maduro's capture, an investigation into the acting president Delcy Rodríguez reveals her controversial past and ties to ongoing drug trafficking investigations.

The recent capture of Nicolás Maduro has shifted the world's attention to Delcy Rodríguez, who now acts as the president of Venezuela. Despite her designation as the U.S. government's preferred partner to stabilize the country's economic turmoil, Rodríguez has been on the Drug Enforcement Administration's radar for years. Scrutiny around her ties to drug trafficking and money laundering digs deep into the complexities of Venezuela's power dynamics and America's strategic interests in the region.

As the global gaze shifts to Venezuela in light of President Donald Trump's recent capture of Nicolás Maduro, acting president Delcy Rodríguez emerges as a crucial figure in the country’s political landscape. The U.S. administration has framed her as a key partner to help stabilize a nation grappling with rampant corruption and drug trafficking.

However, the origins of this partnership are muddied by Rodríguez's controversial history. Long before her elevation to acting president, she had been a target for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), who labeled her a 'priority target' in 2022, indicating that her actions had a significant impact on the drug trade. The DEA’s intelligence on Rodríguez traces back to 2018 and details various alleged transgressions, including cocaine trafficking and gold smuggling.

With an extensive file of intelligence revealing close links to alleged money laundering operations, it raises questions about the implications of her newfound power. Confidential informants have reported that she used luxury hotels in the Caribbean for suspicious financial activities.

Furthermore, Cold War-era relationships re-emerge as Trump turns his praise on Rodríguez post-Maduro’s capture, calling her a “terrific person.” Critics point out the contradictions in supporting an individual long suspected to be intertwined with criminal activities. The political narrative is further complicated by her previous sanctions by the U.S. and European Union, highlighting concerns about Venezuela’s internal governance and stability.

Rodríguez’s role takes on added significance as she navigates the convoluted relationship with Washington, with calls for the U.S. to not only reconsider its designation but also for her to provide access to Venezuela's vast natural resources. As the situation in Venezuela evolves, the world watches to see if the U.S. will leverage its influence effectively without endorsing alleged criminality.

As investigations continue into her dealings and ongoing operations, the shadow of the DEA's scrutiny looms large over her presidency, posing risks to an already unstable Venezuelan political environment.