Overview
- The Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume and exercise the presidency, citing Maduro’s forced absence and the need to preserve state continuity.
- Rodríguez led a Defense Council meeting, pressed for an immediate proof of life and release of Maduro and Cilia Flores, and moved to activate emergency measures described as an external commotion decree.
- President Donald Trump said Rodríguez spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and signaled cooperation for a U.S.-guided transition, a claim at odds with Rodríguez’s public rejection of the operation and her insistence that Maduro remains the only president.
- Maduro is in U.S. custody in New York on narcoterrorism and cocaine import conspiracy charges, with his initial court appearance reported for Monday.
- Venezuela and allied states requested an emergency UN Security Council session to examine the U.S. operation, with backing reported from Russia and China.