Who is Delcy Rodríguez? — Profile, Career & Key Facts
Last Updated: January 04, 2026 — 3:19 PM IST
Delcy Rodríguez serves Venezuela’s executive vice-president since January 2018. Lawyer, journalist, PSUV loyalist assumed interim presidential powers January 3, 2026 after Supreme Court ruling Nicolas Maduro’s US capture. Profile details career progression, controversies, current transitional leadership role.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Delcy Elena Rodríguez Gómez |
| Born | May 18, 1969 (age 56) — Caracas |
| Current Role | Executive Vice-President / Interim President powers |
| Education | Law — Central University Venezuela |
| Party | United Socialist Party (PSUV) |
| Family | Brother Jorge Rodríguez — Assembly President |
Political Career Timeline
Early Career (1990s-2000s)
Journalist pro-Chávez Diario VEA newspaper. Participated 2002 coup defense strengthening revolutionary credentials. Advised Hugo Chávez foreign policy 2005 constitutional matters. Law degree positioned legal roles government restructuring.
Ministerial Posts (2010s)
Foreign Minister 2014-2017 managed sanctions diplomacy Russia, China, Iran oil deals. Interior Justice Minister 2013 oversaw security operations. Petrochemical Minister managed PDVSA crisis amid US embargoes. Key Chávez successor bridging Maduro transition.
Vice-Presidency (2018-Present)
Appointed January 2018 succeeding Tareck El Aissami. Chairs National Defense Council January 2026 Maduro absence. Oversees oil sector, intelligence coordination, international relations. Supreme Court granted full presidential powers January 3 post-capture.
Main Controversies & Public Image
EU travel ban 2017 human rights violations. US Treasury sanctioned 2019 PDVSA corruption. Canada blacklisted 2017 repression role. “Delcy Rodríguezgate” 2020 Madrid airport landing EU sanctions defiance. Maduro’s closest ally criticized authoritarian measures, economic mismanagement defenders.
Public image divides sharply: Chavistas view economic defender against imperialism; opposition labels corruption enabler. Sanctions target personal assets $500 million+ estimates.
Why She’s Trending Now
January 04, 2026 Update: Supreme Court designated Rodríguez interim president after US Delta Force captured Maduro January 3. Chairs Defense Council demanding release, convened cabinet condemning “imperialist kidnapping.” Trump claims Secretary Rubio contact indicating cooperation signals. Oil markets watch PDVSA continuity under interim leadership.
What to Watch Next
Policy continuity oil exports Russia/China deals. Military loyalty tests Diosdado Cabello influence. Opposition Maria Corina Machado Nobel winner rallies. Constitutional 30-day election clock ticking. US sanctions relief negotiations Rubio-Rodríguez channel. PDVSA production stability critical economic lifeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delcy Rodríguez’s role?
Executive Vice-President Venezuela assuming interim presidential powers January 2026.
When did she become Vice-President?
January 15, 2018 appointed Nicolas Maduro.
Has she held minister posts?
Yes—Foreign Minister 2014-2017, Interior Justice 2013, Petrochemical sector.
Delcy Rodríguez anchors PSUV continuity amid Venezuela leadership transition. Neutral profile tracks developments constitutional timeline unfolds. Internal links: Venezuela crisis hub, Maduro capture explainer.
Updated January 04, 2026 3:19 PM IST.
