Delcy Rodriguez: Maduro Is Venezuela's True President

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has publicly defended Nicolás Maduro, asserting that he remains the country’s legitimate head of state despite being detained in the United States. Her remarks come amid an ongoing political and diplomatic crisis following Maduro’s capture by US forces last month.

In an interview with US-based outlet NBC News, Rodríguez said, “I can tell you, President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president. I will tell you this as a lawyer, which I am. Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent.” She dismissed allegations against Maduro and maintained that his detention does not alter his constitutional status as Venezuela’s elected leader.

Maduro is currently being held in a federal detention facility in New York after his arrest by US authorities. Details of the charges against him have not been elaborated in Rodríguez’s statement, but his detention has triggered strong reactions from Venezuela’s political establishment and supporters.

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Rodríguez, who has assumed acting presidential responsibilities, also downplayed concerns regarding the safety of opposition leader María Corina Machado. Her comments appear aimed at projecting stability within the country amid heightened international scrutiny and domestic uncertainty.

The situation has further strained relations between Venezuela and the United States, with questions emerging over sovereignty, legitimacy and the future political trajectory of the South American nation. As legal proceedings against Maduro continue in the US, Venezuela faces a period of political tension and diplomatic complexity.

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