Overview
- Nicolás Maduro is in U.S. custody and was arraigned in New York on narcoterrorism and cocaine import conspiracy charges after a U.S. raid in Caracas.
- Venezuela’s National Assembly swore in Delcy Rodríguez as acting president; Trump says she is cooperating, denies any prior coordination with her, and will review sanctions on her.
- Trump declares himself the ultimate decision-maker on Venezuela’s transition and rejects holding elections within the 30-day constitutional window, citing the need to stabilize the country first.
- The administration is prioritizing a rapid overhaul of the oil sector, proposing U.S. companies fund reconstruction over roughly 18 months with reimbursement from future revenues or possible U.S. support, with energy officials set to consult major firms.
- Maritime trackers report at least 16 sanctioned tankers left Venezuelan waters carrying about 12 million barrels mostly bound for China, as opposition leaders promote a privatization plan that currently lacks U.S. backing.