Overview
- Nicolás Maduro is reported held in U.S. custody in New York after a large-scale operation that also detained his wife, Cilia Flores.
- The Supreme Court’s constitutional chamber instructed the vice president to act as head of state, invoking Article 335 with references to 234 and 239 and the Organic Law of the TSJ.
- The court did not declare a falta absoluta that would trigger elections within 30 days, leaving the succession framework unresolved.
- Delcy Rodríguez condemned the U.S. action, demanded proof of life and the couple’s release, led a national defense council session, and asserted that Maduro remains the country’s only president.
- President Donald Trump said Washington has spoken with Rodríguez and aims to manage a transition, yet no swearing-in was aired and her address signaled no cooperation as the UN Security Council prepares an emergency meeting.