Under pressure from Trump, Venezuela's new president has aces up her sleeve

February 18, 2026

Following the US extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in January, acting leader Delcy Rodríguez faces a precarious political balancing act. She must simultaneously appease her socialist Chavista base by condemning US imperialism and calling for Maduro's return, while cooperating with President Trump's demands regarding oil exports and policy changes under threat of her own detention. Rodríguez has appointed technocrats to her government, released some political prisoners, and allowed US oil companies to operate in Venezuela, all while maintaining anti-imperialist rhetoric for domestic consumption.

Who is affected

Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores (detained in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center)
Delcy Rodríguez (acting Venezuelan leader, former vice president)
The Venezuelan Chavista base (15-20% of society)
Venezuelan citizens (86% in poverty, facing extreme inflation)
7.9 million Venezuelans who have left the country since 2014
Political prisoners and human rights activists (some released, many still detained)
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Venezuelan military forces
US President Donald Trump and his administration (including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio)
Venezuelan opposition groups

What action is being taken

Rodríguez is meeting with US officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe
The Venezuelan government is organizing public displays and marches calling for Maduro's return
Rodríguez is delivering up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, with Trump managing the money
US oil companies are beginning work in Venezuela following new legislation
Some politicians and human rights activists are being released from prison
Rodríguez is appointing technocrats to government positions
The US administration is maintaining pressure and threats against Rodríguez

Why it matters

This situation represents a dramatic power shift in Venezuela, where a government built on anti-US Chavista ideology is now operating under direct US influence and threat. The outcome will determine whether Venezuela transitions toward democratic elections and economic recovery or remains under authoritarian control. With 86% of Venezuelans living in poverty and the country experiencing the world's highest inflation, the economic implications are severe for millions. The situation also sets a precedent for US intervention in Latin American governments and tests whether Trump's aggressive foreign policy approach can produce sustainable results. Additionally, the delicate balance Rodríguez must maintain between appeasing the US and keeping military and Chavista support reveals the fragility of Venezuela's current political situation.

What's next

Potential escalation of US pressure through further intervention, economic sanctions, or oil blockades
Possible future elections, with timing to be determined by Rodríguez (likely delayed until economic improvements occur)
Continued monitoring of whether US investment will materially improve conditions for average Venezuelans
Ongoing power dynamics between Rodríguez and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello
Maduro and Flores awaiting trial in New York for drug trafficking charges

Read full article from source: BBC