A Shocking Choice: Why Did Trump Pick Delcy Rodríguez Over Machado? The recent events in Caracas have left many scratching their heads. Amidst the whirlwind of questions, one persistent query lingers: Why did the Trump administration seemingly favor Delcy Rodríguez, a figure tied to the Maduro regime, over opposition leader María Corina Machado? Let's dive in.
Delcy Rodríguez, the daughter of a former Marxist guerilla and a deputy to the ousted dictator Nicolás Maduro, now leads what US officials are calling Venezuela's "interim authorities." But why her? And why did Washington choose a "Chavista" revolutionary over Machado, widely believed to have won the 2024 presidential elections?
According to Charles Shapiro, former US ambassador to Venezuela, the answer is straightforward: stability over democracy. "They've kept the dictatorial regime in place without the dictator. The henchmen are still there," Shapiro explains, adding, "I think it's risky as hell."
However, the alternative, backing Machado, presented its own set of challenges, including potential infighting among opposition figures and the risk of alienating Maduro's supporters, potentially as many as 30% of Venezuelans.
President Trump's press conference further fueled the controversy. He dismissed Nobel Peace Prize winner Machado as "not respected" within Venezuela while describing Rodríguez as "gracious." This stance surprised many, including Kevin Whitaker, former deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Caracas, who noted that Machado's movement was "massively elected."
The swift removal of Maduro and the installation of Rodríguez led some to speculate about a conspiracy. Former CIA officer Lindsay Moran suggested that high-placed sources might have been involved. But Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, dismisses this theory, pointing out that significant power still rests with Maduro's allies, like General Vladimir Padrino Lopez and Diosdado Cabello.
The decision to back Rodríguez, according to Gunson, was influenced by warnings that installing Machado could trigger instability. An ICG report in October cautioned against regime change, warning of potential violence from security forces.
But here's where it gets controversial...
On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported a classified US intelligence assessment that reached similar conclusions, suggesting that members of the Maduro regime, including Rodríguez, were better suited to lead a temporary government. The White House has yet to comment publicly.
Henry Ziemer, an associate fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, suggests that the Trump administration is taking a hard-nosed, realistic approach. He believes that while capturing Maduro was the easy part, rebuilding Venezuela will take much longer.
Rodríguez seems to be someone the Trump administration feels it can work with. Gunson notes that she is open to economic reforms and bringing back foreign capital. Ziemer agrees, suggesting that Rodríguez might be willing to cooperate with the US on oil, counter-narcotics, and reducing ties with Cuba, China, and Russia.
And this is the part most people miss...
However, the US's priorities may not align with genuine democratic transition. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-stage plan for Venezuela, focusing on stabilization and oil marketing before addressing reconciliation and transition. President Trump, in an interview with NBC News, indicated that elections were not a priority.
Gunson believes that while the short-term strategy may make sense, the lack of a long-term vision is disappointing. He notes that ordinary Venezuelans are likely to suffer. He also questions the prospects of international investment in Venezuela's oil infrastructure, citing concerns about illegitimacy and the rule of law.
When Hugo Chávez chose Nicolás Maduro as his successor, it was described as his "dedazo," a personal anointment. Ambassador Shapiro sees a parallel with Delcy Rodríguez's rise to power, calling it "Trump's dedazo."
What do you think? Do you agree with the Trump administration's decision? Do you think it prioritizes stability over democracy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
