By Micah Jonah
January 18, 2026
Intermittent President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela has begun consolidating her authority, following the U.S. seizure of President Nicolas Maduro, appointing loyalists to key positions, strengthening control over the military and intelligence agencies.
Since taking office 12 days ago, Rodriguez has installed a central banker to oversee economic management, a new chief of staff, and Major General Gustavo Gonzalez as head of the military counterintelligence agency DGCIM. The appointments aim to counter internal threats, particularly from Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who is considered the main rival to her leadership.
Rodriguez, 56, delivered her first annual address to parliament, calling for national unity and pledging increased oil investment while maintaining her loyalty to Maduro. The U.S. has expressed support for Rodriguez, with CIA Director, John Ratcliffe recently meeting her in Caracas.
Despite outward shows of cooperation, sources indicate tensions remain between Rodriguez and Cabello, who controls security services and armed civilian groups known as “colectivos.”
Rodriguez faces the dual challenge of stabilizing the economy, managing inflation, and asserting authority over military-linked patronage networks that have developed under Chavismo rule.
Security forces in Caracas remain cautious, with increased activity reported in the capital since Maduro’s capture. Analysts say Rodriguez must balance internal power struggles with external expectations from the U.S. while consolidating control over Venezuela’s critical oil sector.
