Venezuela in Turmoil: Maduro’s Capture and a Nation’s Uncertain Future
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A wave of uncertainty has gripped Venezuela following a US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend. Maduro is now in US custody after appearing in a New York federal courtroom today, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of interim leader – a position immediately challenged by threats from President Donald Trump should she deviate from US directives. But how are the people of Venezuela reacting to this unprecedented shift in power?
The mood within Venezuela is deeply fractured, a complex mix of party, fear, and pragmatic preparation, according to Ana Vanessa Herrero, a reporter based in Caracas. Some are rejoicing at Maduro’s removal, while others are bracing for potential further conflict, and still others are stockpiling essential supplies in anticipation of additional US military action – a possibility President Trump has publicly affirmed.
Herrero spoke with Noel King, co-host of Today, Explained, to detail the unfolding situation and the sentiment on the ground. Their conversation, edited for clarity, offers a revealing glimpse into a nation in crisis.
A Rapidly Evolving Situation
“Everything’s going on,” Herrero explained. “Since Saturday, people have been wondering what is going to happen next. In just 48 hours, Venezuelans experienced not only the first bombing and the first glimpse of war that they have experienced for hundreds of years now, but also they had to face the fact that Nicolas Maduro is no longer here.” This dramatic turn of events, occurring within a matter of hours, represents a historic moment for both supporters and opponents of Maduro’s regime.
Calm Amidst the Chaos
Surprisingly, the streets of Caracas have not descended into chaos. Herrero reports a lack of visible military or police presence, and a sense of cautious calm. “I tried to wait as long as I could to see what was going on [Saturday], and then to my surprise, no military on the streets, no police, nothing. It was very strange. It was like people were waiting for something to happen, but they didn’t know what.”
US Influence and a “Joint Agenda”
However, this calm is underpinned by a growing awareness of US influence. “There’s a lot of talk about the fact that Delcy Rodríguez is going to have to comply with what the US wants,and that Trump made threats against her if she didn’t comply [with US demands] had something to do with it,” she stated. The specifics of this “joint agenda” remain unknown, leaving many to speculate about the future direction of the contry.
The Question of Venezuela’s Oil
President Trump’s explicit statement that “We want Venezuela’s oil” has resonated within Venezuela, though it hasn’t become the dominant topic of conversation amidst the immediate concerns for survival. “Well, people are so focused on how to survive the next few hours and days. That wasn’t part of the conversation up until very recently,” Herrero observed.Responses are divided,with some advocating for Venezuelan sovereignty – “Venezuela for Venezuelans” – while others express a willingness to accept US involvement if it doesn’t involve maduro.”What they all agree on is that they really don’t know what that means, ‘running the country,'” Herrero emphasized. “And I think no one knows.”
A Desire for Elections
Despite the uncertainty, a clear desire for free and fair elections is emerging among Venezuelans. “They would like elections,” Herrero stated. “The mood around people who are actually talking about the future, elections are a huge part of it.” The 2024 presidential elections, whose results were disputed by maduro, have fueled a renewed call for a legitimate electoral process. The Venezuelan Constitution mandates elections within 30 days of a presidential vacancy, but whether this will be followed remains to be seen.
Ultimately, Venezuelans are bracing for further upheaval while attempting to secure basic necessities. “venezuelans right now are trying to get out of the state of shock and they’re trying to get as much food and water as they can, because they’re accustomed to problems, turmoil and tragedy, and they feel that something else might happen.” The future of Venezuela remains deeply uncertain, but the desire for a stable and democratic future is palpable.
