Did Delcy Rodríguez prohibit the US dollar? — Fact-check & Sources
Fact Verdict: FALSE — Viral videos claiming Delcy Rodríguez banned US dollar Venezuela January 2026 use AI-manipulated footage. No official announcement exists. Dollar remains legal tender alongside bolivar. Claim recycles 2025 deepfake debunked multiple fact-checkers.
The Claim Circulating
Facebook, TikTok, Instagram videos show Rodríguez voiceover: “Today dollar completely prohibited Venezuela. Found with dollar hands faces 20 years prison. Out imperialism!” Male narrator adds: “Dollar economic war weapon. Anyone paying, receiving, holding dollars imprisoned 20 years collaborating imperialists.”
Video timestamped “January 2026” garners 40k+ Facebook views. Original poster claims “official announcement.” Shares spike after Maduro capture amplifying economic fear.
What Official Statements Show
Government Statements
Venezuela government sites, state TV, official X accounts contain zero dollar ban announcements January 2026. Rodríguez Defense Council speech January 3 demands Maduro release—no currency mention. Maduro-era policy maintained dollar legal transactions since 2019 hyperinflation bolivar collapse.
Central Bank Notes
Banco Central Venezuela confirms dual currency system bolivar, dollar operational. No Gaceta Oficial publication required legal tender changes. 2025 dollarization debate Rodríguez opposed formal adoption calling “worst historical error”—no prohibition statement.
Independent Verification
Cotejo.info April 2025 debunked identical video: AI-manipulated 2024 Antifascista Forum footage. Original Rodríguez condemned sanctions—no dollar reference. AFP Factual confirmed digital alteration. Efecto Cocuyo, Observatorio Venezolano Fake News verified identical claims false. Reuters, EFE January 2026 Venezuela coverage zero ban mentions.
| Outlet | Verdict | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Cotejo.info | False – AI fake | April 2025 |
| AFP Factual | Manipulated | April 2025 |
| Efecto Cocuyo | False video | April 2025 |
What Dollar Ban Would Mean for Venezuelans
Dollar dominates Venezuela economy 80% transactions since 2019 bolivar hyperinflation. Black market thrives dollar parallel rate. Formal ban triggers underground economy explosion, remittances collapse (90% dollar), imports halt creating shortages. Maduro government dollarized informally maintaining stability.
Rodríguez 2021 called dollarization “worst error”—policy favored bolivar strengthening. No government signals reversal amid oil crisis, sanctions.
Takeaway: False Claim
Viral dollar ban videos recycle 2025 AI deepfakes debunked repeatedly. No January 2026 official announcement exists. Venezuela dual currency system intact. Rodríguez focuses Maduro release, Defense Council—not currency prohibition. Check Gaceta Oficial, BCV official channels new policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Delcy Rodríguez ban US dollar Venezuela?
False. AI-manipulated videos circulate—no official policy announced.
Dollar still legal Venezuela?
Yes—dual currency bolivar, dollar legal tender since 2019 stabilization.
Where verify currency policy?
Banco Central Venezuela, Gaceta Oficial official publications.
Fact-check confirms dollar ban claim false. Venezuela maintains dollarized economy amid leadership transition. Verify official sources avoid deepfake misinformation.
Last Updated January 04, 2026 3:28 PM IST. No Gaceta Oficial dollar ban.
