CARACAS, Venezuela — Chaos erupted in Venezuela on Saturday after the U.S. military captured President Nicolás Maduro, a leader who had long resisted numerous challenges, including a coup attempt and widespread protests. As the news broke, citizens of the capital scrambled to understand the rapidly changing political landscape amidst heightened apprehension about who would lead the country next.

Following Maduro’s ousting, President Donald Trump announced that the United States intended to take control of Venezuela, potentially working with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s vice president and trusted aide. The Venezuelan high court quickly appointed Rodríguez as the interim president, a move Trump supported, citing her willingness to cooperate with the U.S. in revitalizing Venezuela.

Rodríguez, who has overseen much of the country’s oil-dependent economy since 2018, faces significant challenges. Trump characterized her as someone committed to restoring the country, despite her previous sanctions for actions deemed harmful to democracy. In a notable dismissal of opposition leader María Corina Machado, Trump remarked that she lacked the necessary support to govern effectively, stirring contention among various factions within Venezuela.

As details of the military operation emerged, confusion spread through the streets of Caracas. Long lines formed outside supermarkets and gas stations as residents expressed uncertainty about their future. “What will happen tomorrow?” asked local resident Juan Pablo Petrone, capturing the anxiety felt by many. Meanwhile, Rodríguez addressed the nation, insisting, “There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolás Maduro,” as she attempted to maintain stability amid the upheaval.

Rodríguez, who has cultivated relationships with figures in the U.S. oil industry, tried to assert her authority by calling for Maduro’s release and denouncing the U.S. operation as a breach of international law. With key Venezuelan officials still in place following the military action, the immediate impact and governance structure remained unclear.

Venezuelan military leaders also pushed back against U.S. intervention, with Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino López vowing resilience against external pressure. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello echoed this sentiment, urging citizens to defend their sovereignty as the government assessed the situation. Meanwhile, sporadic rallies supporting the government occurred, as some demonstrators clashed with the overwhelming sense of fear that had gripped the city.

Despite Rodríguez’s claims to leadership, questions persisted around her capacity to unify a fragmented political landscape. Observers noted her moderate image, often contrasting with hard-liners in the military. Moving forward, the allegiance of military officials who previously supported Maduro will be critical in shaping Venezuela’s immediate political future.

Though the Venezuelan constitution mandates new elections in the event of a president’s absence, the circumstances surrounding Maduro’s removal raise significant questions about the legitimacy and feasibility of such a transition. Even as Machado has publicly called for recognition of her leadership, Trump’s statements indicate hesitation about endorsing an opposition figure perceived to lack substantial support within the country.

As the nation grapples with this profound upheaval, the next steps in Venezuela’s political drama will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally. With the potential for a shift toward a new government, all eyes are now on how Delcy Rodríguez will navigate her role and the broader reactions from a fearful populace still reeling from today’s events.