Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president of Venezuela in January 2026 following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, taking power under constitutional provisions that initially limited her interim term to 90 days. She has since consolidated support from the National Assembly and military leadership while pursuing economic opening measures, including oil-sector investment and partial sanctions relief coordinated with the Trump administration. Key drivers of her position include sustained U.S. backing, management of Chavista factions within the PSUV, and responses to the June 2026 earthquakes that strained humanitarian and recovery efforts. Potential shifts could stem from scheduled political transition milestones, internal coalition pressures, or changes in Washington’s policy priorities toward full elections or a broader reconciliation process.