Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Maduro Captured, Venezuela's Power Structure Remains Intact
Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, was captured by the US military.
Even though Maduro is gone, the people who worked with him are still in charge in Venezuela.
The US says they did this to stop Maduro because he was doing bad things.
Some people in Venezuela, like Maria Corina Machado, want to make the country better and have a fair election.
But the US president, Donald Trump, doesn't think Machado can be a good leader.
The people still in charge in Venezuela say they will keep running the country the way it was.
The US wants to help Venezuela by making more oil, but it's not clear how this will happen.
There are also arguments about whether the US was right to capture Maduro and what should happen next in Venezuela.
Nicolás Maduro was captured by US military forces, but his inner circle, including Delcy Rodríguez, Diosdado Cabello, and Vladimir Padrino López, remains in control in Venezuela.
The US justifies the raid as a law-enforcement effort to arrest indicted fugitives, while the Maduro government views it as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.
Maria Corina Machado, the opposition leader, praises the US action but is dismissed by Trump, who questions her support and respect within the country.
The US aims to revive Venezuela's oil industry and work with the existing government, despite concerns about their willingness to cooperate.
The future of Venezuela remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about the legality of the US raid and the path to a stable, democratic government.
- Who
- Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, Diosdado Cabello, Vladimir Padrino López, Maria Corina Machado, Edmundo Gonzalez, Donald Trump
- What
- Capture of Nicolás Maduro by US military, political transition in Venezuela, and the future of the country's leadership.
- When
- After the capture of Nicolás Maduro and during the interim presidency of Delcy Rodríguez.
- Where
- Venezuela, with significant international implications.
- Why
- To discuss the future leadership and political situation of Venezuela following Maduro's capture, including the role of the US and the opposition.
Pro-Maduro Government
US Government and Opposition
Leadership Transition
Pro-Maduro Government
The acting President Delcy Rodríguez and other senior officials assert that Maduro remains the legitimate president and are committed to maintaining the existing government structure.
US Government and Opposition
The US government, along with the Venezuelan opposition, believes that Maduro's capture should lead to a democratic transition and the installation of a new government.
US Involvement
Pro-Maduro Government
The Maduro government views the US raid as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and an act of aggression.
US Government and Opposition
The US justifies the raid as a law-enforcement effort to arrest indicted fugitives and restore democracy in Venezuela.
Future of Venezuela
Pro-Maduro Government
The current government aims to continue its rule and work towards stability and economic recovery under the existing leadership.
US Government and Opposition
The US and the opposition advocate for a new government that respects human rights, holds free elections, and transitions away from the Maduro regime.
- Nicolás Maduro
- Former Venezuelan president, captured by US military, facing drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges.
- Delcy Rodríguez
- Acting President of Venezuela, close ally of Maduro, sanctioned by the US for undermining democratic processes.
- Diosdado Cabello
- Interior Minister of Venezuela, indicted in the US for drug trafficking, faces a $25 million bounty.
- Vladimir Padrino López
- Defence Minister of Venezuela, indicted in the US for drug trafficking, faces a $15 million bounty.
- Maria Corina Machado
- Venezuelan opposition leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner, barred from running in the 2024 election.
- Edmundo Gonzalez
- Opposition's presidential candidate, named after Machado was barred, claimed to have won the 2024 election according to the opposition.
- Donald Trump
- US President who ordered the capture of Maduro, questioning Machado's credibility as a potential leader.
Sources
"Willing To Serve": Machado After Trump Says She "Doesn't Have Respect" In Venezuela
US-Venezuela oil deal angers China, pushes prices down
Venezuela interim President Delcy Rodriguez follower of Satya Sai Baba, met Dhankhar in 2023: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh
Maduro Captured, His Inner Circle Still Rules: Why US Left The 'Wanted' Ministers Behind
Maduro’s capture is a hollow military win