The future of Venezuela hangs in the balance, with two powerful women at the helm, each representing a starkly different vision for the country. But here's where it gets controversial: as the dust settles after the dramatic U.S. raid on Caracas that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture, it’s not opposition leader María Corina Machado who seems to be gaining the upper hand—it’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez. And this is the part most people miss: Rodríguez is quietly building a relationship with the Trump administration that could reshape Venezuela’s destiny.
More than two weeks after the raid, the political landscape is crystallizing around these two leaders. Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and fierce advocate for democracy, made headlines with her White House visit, where she presented her medal to President Donald Trump. Yet, despite the photo ops and gift bags, she left without the concrete support she desperately sought. Is this a sign that Trump is hedging his bets?
Machado is no political novice—her relentless campaigning and strategic acumen have earned her respect, and those who underestimate her often pay the price. However, recent developments suggest Rodríguez is outmaneuvering her. Here are four key signs that Rodríguez is gaining momentum, at least for now.
First, personal rapport with the U.S. president is invaluable, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky can attest. Until recently, Machado seemed to have the edge with her long-standing ties to U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. But last week, Trump surprised many by praising Rodríguez as a “terrific person” after a phone call—a direct connection Machado can no longer claim exclusively.
Second, Rodríguez is taking bold steps to address Venezuela’s economic woes. On January 9, Trump convened oil executives to discuss investments in Venezuela’s struggling oil industry. While many, like ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods, deemed the country “uninvestable” due to legal and commercial barriers, Rodríguez swiftly responded. She announced revisions to the Law of Hydrocarbons, breaking years of deadlock under Maduro’s regime. Is this a calculated move to win Trump’s favor, or a genuine effort to revive the economy?
Third, Rodríguez’s diplomatic efforts are paying off. She welcomed CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Caracas, a visit marked by a surprisingly casual and friendly atmosphere. Photos of Rodríguez in Asics sneakers hosting the impeccably dressed Ratcliffe went viral, signaling a thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations. Ratcliffe also met with the new head of the Presidential Guard, Enrique Gonzalez, just weeks after U.S. forces clashed with Venezuelan guardsmen. Should we be concerned about the U.S. cozying up to a regime with a questionable human rights record?
Finally, the resumption of U.S. deportation flights to Venezuela underscores Rodríguez’s growing influence. After a hiatus due to safety concerns, an Eastern Airlines Boeing 767 carrying 231 migrants landed in Caracas on Friday. As long as Rodríguez ensures U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can deport Venezuelans without hindrance, she’ll remain in Trump’s good graces. But at what cost to Venezuela’s migrants and its international reputation?
As the Trump-Rodríguez relationship warms up, the question remains: Will this partnership bring stability to Venezuela, or is it a risky gamble? What do you think? Is Rodríguez the right leader to steer Venezuela’s future, or is Machado’s vision of democracy the better path? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
