Nicolás Maduro Guerra, a federal deputy and son of Venezuela’s deposed president Nicolás Maduro, stated that Chavismo remains in power and that “everything remains the same,” reinforcing the political continuity of the Bolivarian project despite the current institutional crisis. Speaking before the National Assembly, he declared his unconditional support for then Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed the interim presidency of Venezuela a few days after the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife by United States forces.
Maduro Guerra stated that Venezuela will defend itself against any violations committed by the United States and said the country continues to await the return of his father, whom he described as having been “kidnapped” by the government of Donald Trump and illegally accused. According to him, “the homeland is in good hands,” reaffirming that the Chavista core maintains political control of the state despite external pressure.
In his address, the deputy strongly criticized the U.S. government and then-President Donald Trump, describing his father’s capture as an act of direct aggression and a serious violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. Maduro Guerra warned that normalizing the detention of a head of state poses a global threat: “If this becomes acceptable, no country will be safe.” He characterized the episode as a historic challenge to the international order and claimed that Venezuelan lawmakers are also being persecuted.
The speech reinforced the Chavista anti-interventionist narrative by recalling the Monroe Doctrine and the historical role of the United States as a hegemonic power in the region. In contrast, he emphasized that Venezuela follows the ideals of independence and self-determination inspired by Simón Bolívar, stating that “the Bolivarian people are not manipulable.”
Delcy Rodríguez, who had served as vice president prior to Nicolás Maduro’s capture, was recognized as interim president by the National Assembly and the Armed Forces, amid strong domestic condemnation of the U.S.-led military operation. Since then, she has adopted an ambiguous posture toward Washington, calling for a “balanced and respectful” relationship based on international law, while simultaneously criticizing foreign intervention and reaffirming Venezuela’s sovereign rights.
The situation remains tense. Donald Trump has issued warnings to Venezuela’s leadership, demanding cooperation with the United States or facing harsher consequences. Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro remains in U.S. custody, where he has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
