US Removes Sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez

The United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, according to a recent update from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Context: Maduro's Capture and Transition

This decision follows the U.S. military’s capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 3rd in Caracas, Venezuela. The pair were subsequently transported to New York to face drug trafficking charges, where they have both pleaded not guilty.

Previous Sanctions and Their Rationale

Rodríguez, along with her brother Jorge Rodríguez, were initially sanctioned during the Trump administration in September 2018. The Treasury Department stated at the time that they were sanctioned for their roles in allegedly undermining Venezuelan democracy and supporting Maduro’s authoritarian rule.

The 2018 Sanctions Statement

According to a 2018 Treasury statement, “Maduro has given Delcy Eloina Rodríguez Gomez and Jorge Jesus Rodríguez Gomez senior positions within the Venezuelan government to help him maintain power and solidify his authoritarian rule.”

Venezuela Under Rodríguez’s Leadership

Since Maduro’s removal, Rodríguez has been actively working to attract international investment to Venezuela. She has promoted the nation’s oil resources and advocated for private capital, international arbitration, and increased scrutiny.

Maduro’s Legal Status and Succession

Despite his capture, Nicolás Maduro remains legally recognized as Venezuela’s president. The country’s high court, loyal to the ruling party, declared his absence “temporary,” avoiding the need for an immediate election.

Temporary Succession Arrangement

The court authorized Rodríguez to assume office for up to 90 days, with a potential extension to six months if approved by the National Assembly, which is also controlled by the ruling party and presided over by her brother. The initial 90-day period concludes on Friday.

Venezuela’s government has not yet issued a comment regarding the lifting of sanctions.