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2h ago

U.S. Held Months of Talks With Cabello as Rodriguez Moves to Consolidate Power

The outreach seeks to prevent a security backlash from a powerful Maduro loyalist who could destabilize Venezuela’s interim government.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez smiles while delivering a statement at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez arrives at the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez makes a statement to the press at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez waves as she walks to deliver her first annual address to the nation at the National Assembly, following the U.S. strike in Caracas that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/File Photo

Overview

  • Trump administration officials engaged with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello for months before the Jan. 3 seizure of Nicolás Maduro and have continued communications since, according to Reuters.
  • U.S. officials warned Cabello not to deploy security services or pro-government colectivos against the opposition, highlighting concerns over his sway within the military and intelligence apparatus.
  • Cabello remains under U.S. indictment tied to alleged drug trafficking, with a reward raised to $25 million for his capture, even as he publicly pledges unity with interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
  • Rodriguez is consolidating authority by installing loyalists, naming Major General Gustavo Gonzalez to lead the DGCIM, and signaling cooperation on oil policy after meeting CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Caracas.
  • Separate reporting says the DEA has opened nearly a dozen investigations into Rodriguez and designated her a ‘priority target’ in 2022, though such probes have not resulted in an indictment.