Who’s REALLY Running Venezuela After Maduro’s Kidnapping? Trump’s Chilling Warning to the New Leader Exposed!

Venezuela after Maduro kidnapping: This story sounds like a movie, but it’s real! U.S. forces grabbed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. Now everyone asks: Who runs Venezuela? The answer is Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. She took over fast. But President Trump gave her a scary warning. He said she will “pay a big price” if she doesn’t do what he wants. This post explains everything in simple words.

How Did the U.S. Capture Maduro?

It happened during Operation Absolute Resolve. This was a quick U.S. military attack on January 3, 2026. Special forces went to Maduro’s home in Caracas. They took him and his wife, Cilia Flores, alive. The raid was very fast. Only hours long. They flew the couple by helicopter to a U.S. ship called USS Iwo Jima. Then to a base in New York. Finally to a prison in Brooklyn. The same prison where famous people like Diddy stayed. Trump called it a “huge win.” He said it was against drug lords. But many people call it a “kidnapping.” They say it breaks international laws. Over 110 people died in the attacks. Some groups want war crime checks.

Venezuela after Maduro kidnapping

After Nicolás Maduro’s abduction by U.S. forces, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez became Venezuela’s interim leader, condemning the act while calling for a transition.

President Trump warned Rodríguez she would face severe consequences if she doesn’t “behave,” signaling U.S. intent to shape the country’s future.

Venezuela faces uncertainty with protests, potential elections, and heightened international tensions in the power vacuum.

Who Is Delcy Rodríguez? The New Leader

Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez is 56 years old. She is now the interim president. She was Maduro’s Vice President since 2018. Before that, she was Foreign Minister and helped change the constitution. She is a lawyer and strong socialist. She loves Chavismo—the ideas of old leader Hugo Chávez. On January 3, she gave a TV speech. She called the U.S. “barbarians.” She asked for proof Maduro is alive. But she also said let’s talk about a “transition.” Her brother Jorge is a big politician too. Their father was a socialist who went to prison long ago. Delcy has U.S. sanctions since 2017 for bad democracy. Now she tries to keep power. But there are protests and some army people leaving.

Must Read: Why Did the US Assault Venezuela? Details on Charges, Detention and Proceedings

Trump’s Scary Warning to Delcy

On January 4, 2026, Trump spoke to The Atlantic. He warned Delcy directly. He said she will “pay a very big price.” Maybe bigger than Maduro. If she doesn’t “behave” and “do what’s right.” Trump said the U.S. is “in charge” now. He talked about Cuba falling soon. And warned Colombia too. He wants Greenland again. Delcy tries to calm things. She asks for help from other countries. But Trump doesn’t want to talk to Venezuela’s opposition much. They are happy Maduro is gone but feel left out.

How People Inside Venezuela Feel

Venezuela is deeply divided. Maduro still has loyal supporters who call the capture a crime. They protest in the streets of Caracas, wave flags, and shout against the United States. At the same time, many others feel relief and even joy. Years of hardship—job losses, high prices, and constant shortages—left them desperate for change, and some openly celebrate. The opposition’s reaction is mixed.

They wanted Maduro out, but many believe the U.S. approach was wrong and say they were excluded from any plan for what comes next. The military remains mostly silent. A few leaders have shifted sides, while others are waiting to see how events unfold. Delcy Rodríguez is trying to hold the country together, promising to protect the people, but public trust remains very low.

How the World Reacts

• Russia & China: Very mad. Call U.S. “bullying.” Say it breaks rules.
• Latin America: Mexico, Brazil say no to invasion. Fear more trouble.
• Human Rights: Want checks on deaths from strikes.
• U.S. & Opposition: Trump says “justice.” Opposition in Venezuela celebrates but worries.

Refugees and money problems get worse.

What’s Next for Venezuela? Chaos, Transitions and Global Fallout

Venezuela teeters on a knife’s edge. Delcy’s interim rule faces immediate tests—curbing protests, stabilizing the economy (hyperinflation at 200%+), and addressing shortages that drove 7 million refugees abroad. She’s promised dialogue but must navigate opposition demands for snap elections within 30 days per the constitution. Yet, with Maduro’s allies controlling courts and military, delays loom.

Trump’s influence casts a long shadow—he’s signaled U.S. troops might stay to “oversee” transitions, raising occupation fears. Analysts predict scenarios: A U.S.-backed puppet government boosting oil exports (Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves), or prolonged civil strife if Delcy resists. Regionally, it could destabilize neighbors with refugee surges or inspire anti-U.S. backlash. Globally, it challenges international norms—will the UN intervene? Could Russia/China arm rebels?

In deeper analysis, this echoes historical U.S. regime changes (Iraq 2003, Libya 2011)—short-term “wins” often lead to long-term quagmires. For Delcy, survival means balancing defiance with concessions; for Trump, it’s a high-risk gamble on “America First” amid domestic divides. Venezuela’s 28 million people hang in the balance, hoping for peace amid the power vacuum.

Final Thought

Delcy Rodríguez is facing massive challenges. She must keep the country calm, fix severe food and medicine shortages, and deal with U.S. financial restrictions. There is talk she may call elections soon to show legitimacy, but no one knows when—or who would win. The opposition wants power and says it has leaders ready, yet many believe Washington, especially Donald Trump, will favor leaders he trusts. Maduro is now far away, in U.S. custody, and his future is uncertain.

Venezuela could change very fast. It may see new leadership and closer ties with the U.S., or fall into more conflict and instability. Refugees could start returning—or even more people could flee if chaos grows. One thing is clear: Venezuela’s massive oil reserves still matter, and who controls them now is critical.

This story is moving at lightning speed. One day Maduro was in charge. The next, he was gone. Delcy is leading, Trump is issuing warnings, and the world is watching closely. The people of Venezuela are waiting—hoping for peace, but fearing more trouble.

This saga is far from over—Maduro’s fate, Delcy’s moves, Trump’s next play. Stay tuned, and share this explosive breakdown!

What do you predict happens next? Drop your thoughts below—