Delcy Rodríguez remains Venezuela’s acting president after April 4, backed by Trump

Delcy Rodríguez remained Venezuela’s acting president even after the 90-day constitutional period of her interim mandate ended on April 4 , raising fresh legal and political questions about the country’s leadership following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US authorities earlier this year.

Rodríguez assumed the temporary role after Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice ruled that Maduro’s detention abroad constituted a “forced absence” , allowing the vice president to take over presidential duties for up to 90 days, with the possibility of an additional 90-day extension approved by the National Assembly.

However, the initial 90-day period expired on April 4 , and the National Assembly has not publicly voted to extend her mandate , even though she continues to exercise presidential powers. Under Venezuela’s constitution, if lawmakers declare the presidency permanently vacant, fresh presidential elections must be held within 30 days , meaning Rodríguez can only serve as an interim leader.

Her continued leadership has coincided with strong backing from the administration of Donald Trump, which chose to cooperate with Rodríguez after Maduro’s detention instead of supporting Venezuela’s opposition. Washington has recognised her as the country’s “sole head of state” and lifted sanctions against her .

In recent months, Rodríguez has closely aligned with US proposals by opening Venezuela’s energy sector to private and foreign investment, promoting international arbitration in oil disputes, and reshuffling senior officials , including replacing long-time Maduro loyalists in key posts.

Critics argue the arrangement raises constitutional concerns , as Rodríguez was appointed only as an interim president and elections are ultimately required to choose a permanent leader .