Overview
- Venezuela’s top court installed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader, but she insists Maduro remains the only legitimate president and demands his release.
- Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said the armed forces recognize Rodríguez and activated units nationwide following the U.S. raid.
- President Trump warned Rodríguez she would pay a “very high price” if she “does not do the right thing,” even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. will not govern Venezuela and will use oil leverage instead.
- Maduro faces a conspiracy-to-commit “drug terrorism” case in New York and is expected to appear before a judge on Monday, according to U.S. officials.
- The UN, China and Russia condemned the operation as a breach of international law, the EU urged restraint, and several Latin American governments plus Spain warned against external control of Venezuela’s resources.