Venezuela's New Leadership: A Controversial Path

Sat Jan 17 2026 20:27:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As President Trump talks about the potential for a new era in Venezuela with acting president Delcy Rodríguez, questions arise about her past connections to drug trafficking.

President Trump's surprising announcement of Nicolás Maduro's capture, alongside praises of Delcy Rodríguez as a stabilizing force in Venezuela, raises eyebrows. While Rodríguez is seen as a point of contact for the U.S. to stabilize the country, her history of alleged involvement in drug trafficking complicates the narrative. The DEA has her on a priority target list due to ongoing investigations into her associations and activities. Critics argue that her presidency is indicative of Venezuela's systemic corruption, casting doubt on the potential for democratic change.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Following President Trump's announcement regarding Nicolás Maduro's capture, he has portrayed Delcy Rodríguez as a potential stabilizing force for Venezuela. However, Rodríguez's checkered past raises significant doubts about this portrayal.

Notably under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), she has previously been labeled a ‘priority target’ due to her alleged connections to drug trafficking operations. The DEA's file on her goes back to 2018, revealing a deep web of accusations from money laundering to gold smuggling.

Despite her past associations, Trump has positioned Rodríguez as a leader ready to guide Venezuela towards recovery. Critics question how effective she can be, given that Venezuelan politics is deeply intertwined with corruption.

Rodríguez's rise in power has been scrutinized, with allegations highlighting her involvement in various illicit activities. While fraud claims against her are serious, she has not been formally charged, leading many to speculate on her capacity to lead amid systemic corruption.

The challenges ahead remain daunting, as Rodríguez must prove her intentions align with the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people rather than the corrupt regime that's long held power in the nation.