
Audio By Carbonatix
The Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered on Saturday that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assume the role of acting president of the country in the absence of Nicolás Maduro, who was detained early Saturday morning in an operation by U.S. forces.
The court ruling said that Rodríguez would assume "the office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the Nation."
Under Venezuela's constitution, Rodriguez becomes acting president in Maduro's absence, and the country's top court ordered her to assume the role late Saturday night.
But shortly after Trump's remarks, Rodriguez appeared on state television flanked by her brother, the head of the national assembly Jorge Rodriguez, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez and said that Maduro remained Venezuela's only president.
The joint appearance indicated the group that shared power with Maduro is staying united - for now.
Trump publicly closed the door Saturday on working with opposition leader and Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, widely seen as Maduro's most credible opponent, saying she doesn't have support inside the country.
The ruling added that the court will debate the matter to "determine the applicable legal framework to guarantee the continuity of the State, the administration of government, and the defence of sovereignty in the face of the forced absence of the President of the Republic."
Latest Stories
-
15-year-old Wofford completes Meet of Champions 2026 with three medals
11 minutes -
Israeli film industry seeks rebound with investors through new film ‘Our Loves’
14 minutes -
DVLA to replace all Ghana vehicle number plates by 2028 under new digital system
16 minutes -
TUSAAG to resume indefinite strike July 20 over unpaid allowances
26 minutes -
Saltpond Methodist A Basic School receives 10-seater toilet facility from alumnus
40 minutes -
Divided mandates, shared crises: Institutional intersections in Ghana’s flood management
1 hour -
Most young Ghanaians want marriage and children but jobs and finances stand in the way – UNFPA Report
1 hour -
Accra-Tema Motorway reconstruction 48% complete with drainage works reducing flooding
1 hour -
22-year-old law student declares bid for Manhyia South seat on Base Movement Ghana ticket
2 hours -
Ghana’s crude oil production falls for six years, costing billions in lost revenue – IES report
2 hours -
Today’s Front pages: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
2 hours -
CPP mourns Ya-Na Abukari II, calls for heightened security ahead of Dagbon funeral
2 hours -
Finance Minister Ato Forson set to present Mid-year Budget Review next week
2 hours -
Some abandoned 1D1F factories have been converted into churches – Ahmed Ibrahim
2 hours -
Coca-Cola Bottling Company donates relief items to support flood-affected families in Tema West Municipality
2 hours