Venezuela’s military and police formally pledged absolute loyalty to Interim President Delcy Rodriguez at a ceremony held Wednesday at the Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army in Caracas. The declarations, delivered by top security officials, solidify the institutional backing for Rodriguez, who assumed power following the removal of Nicolas Maduro three weeks prior.
Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino presented Rodriguez with the ceremonial baton and sword of Simon Bolivar, stating the event marked an “unprecedented moment in our republic.” Padrino’s statement followed his confirmation that the preceding US operation to abduct Maduro resulted in the deaths of 83 individuals, including 47 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban security personnel, according to reports from Al Jazeera.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello affirmed the police forces’ commitment, asserting that supporting Rodriguez ensured the “continuity of the government and the integrity of the Venezuelan people.” Rodriguez, who previously served as Vice President, has initiated her tenure by freeing numerous political prisoners detained under the Maduro regime.
The transition occurs amid explicit external pressure, as US President Donald Trump has threatened further intervention, reportedly seeking greater control over Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves for US companies. Rodriguez countered this external influence, asserting publicly that “there is no foreign agent governing Venezuela.”
Meanwhile, opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado is currently engaging with US officials in Washington. Machado reportedly conveyed to reporters after meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio that she believed Rodriguez lacked popular support to govern effectively.
Rodriguez appeared to address Machado’s diplomatic efforts during the military affirmation, warning those seeking to inflict harm on the Venezuelan populace to “stay in Washington.” This exchange underscores the deepening domestic political fracture exacerbated by international involvement.
The consolidation of security apparatus loyalty is a critical step for Rodriguez as she navigates the immediate economic and political vacuum left by Maduro’s removal. The immediate focus will likely shift to stabilizing the national oil sector, a key geopolitical asset.
Global economic actors are closely monitoring the stability of the transition, as any protracted uncertainty could disrupt regional supply chains and affect international energy pricing. The administration’s next steps regarding foreign debt management and international trade agreements will define its early mandate.
