A Strategic Shift in Caracas
Since the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces earlier this year, Venezuela has entered a period of profound political reconfiguration. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has moved to stabilize the regime by pivoting away from anti-imperialist rhetoric, opting instead for a pragmatic, transactional relationship with the Trump administration.
This “normalization without transition” strategy has seen Rodriguez implement significant economic reforms, including amendments to the Hydrocarbons Law to open the energy sector to increased international investment. These moves have been welcomed by Washington, which is currently seeking to secure energy supplies amid ongoing military commitments in the Middle East.
Security and Economic Concessions
The depth of this new cooperation was highlighted recently by a joint US-Venezuela operation targeting the Tren de Aragua criminal syndicate. President Trump confirmed the elimination of the gang’s leader, Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, in a strike coordinated with Venezuelan intelligence. This level of security integration would have been unthinkable under the previous administration.
Furthermore, Rodriguez has extradited key figures such as former Minister of Industry Alex Saab to the US. In return, Washington has lifted personal sanctions against her and supported economic recovery measures. While these steps have stabilized the state, they have not yet led to a clear timeline for democratic elections, with over 400 political prisoners remaining in custody according to Foro Penal.
Power Consolidation
While the administration remains focused on survival, critics point out that the lack of a transition plan suggests a long-term goal of retaining power through institutional adaptation rather than democratic reform. Rodriguez has even retained a California-based legal firm to navigate her interactions with US officials, fueling speculation about a potential future presidential run.