Venezuela’s Interim Leader Shifts to Support US After Attack

Venezuela’s interim president, Vice President Rodríguez, announced on social media late on January 4 that his government would “cooperate with the United States,” marking a sharp reversal from his previous stance. Just a day earlier, on January 3, Rodríguez had declared that “President Nicolás Maduro is the only president,” firmly rejecting U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs.

The sudden turnaround followed dramatic developments after a U.S. military operation on January 3 that resulted in the detention of President Maduro. In the immediate aftermath, Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Rodríguez as interim president to ensure continuity of governance amid the unfolding crisis.

In his latest statement, Rodríguez emphasized the importance of adhering to “the framework of international law” while navigating the country’s next steps. His comments suggest an attempt to balance cooperation with Washington against domestic expectations of national sovereignty.

The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely watching how Venezuela’s political leadership and military institutions respond to the interim administration’s new position.