Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Venezuela's New Leader Tightens Grip Amid Power Struggle
Venezuela's new leader, Delcy Rodriguez, is trying to strengthen her control over the country.
She has appointed new people to important jobs, including a new head of the military counterintelligence agency.
However, there is a big threat to her power from Diosdado Cabello, who has a lot of influence over the military and security services.
The U.S. is supporting Rodriguez but has also been talking to Cabello.
The situation is tense, with people in Venezuela unsure about the future.
The economy is also having problems, with prices for basic goods going up.
The U.S. has sanctions on Cabello and wants to see changes in Venezuela.
Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's new leader, is consolidating power by appointing loyalists to key positions.
Diosdado Cabello, a hardline interior minister, remains a significant threat to Rodriguez's leadership.
The U.S. has been in talks with Cabello and supports Rodriguez, aiming to stabilize Venezuela and boost oil production.
Rodriguez faces challenges in stabilizing the economy and controlling military-linked patronage networks.
The situation in Venezuela is tense, with increased security activity and economic instability post-Maduro's capture.
- Who
- Delcy Rodriguez, Diosdado Cabello, Gustavo Gonzalez, Donald Trump
- What
- Power struggle in Venezuela, U.S. involvement, new appointments, economic instability
- When
- Since the U.S. seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro 12 days ago
- Where
- Venezuela, Caracas
- Why
- To consolidate power, meet U.S. demands, stabilize the economy, and control internal threats
- Key Figures
- Delcy Rodriguez, Diosdado Cabello, Gustavo Gonzalez
- New Appointments
- Gustavo Gonzalez as head of DGCIM, central banker for economy, new chief of staff
- Internal Threats
- Diosdado Cabello and his allies
- US Involvement
- Trump administration in talks with Cabello, supports Rodriguez
- Security Concerns
- Colectivos and military-linked patronage networks
- Economic Impact
- Prices for basic goods soaring post-Maduro's capture
- US Sanctions
- Diosdado Cabello under U.S. sanctions, $25 million reward for his capture
Sources
Did Trump 'Steal' $500 Million In Venezuelan Oil Money? Fact-Checking Viral Claims
Trump says US to get 50 million barrels of oil worth USD 5.2 billion from Venezuela
Venezuela’s new leader, facing internal division, moves to tighten her grip on power
Exclusive-US talks with hardline Venezuelan minister Cabello began months before raid
US Talks With Venezuelan Minister Cabello Began Months Before Raid: Report