A classified CIA assessment presented to US President Donald Trump concluded that senior loyalists of Nicolás Maduro stood best positioned to preserve stability if the Venezuelan leader lost power, according to two sources briefed on the matter. The sources, speaking anonymously, confirmed a Wall Street Journal report and said the findings influenced Washington’s approach during Venezuela’s political upheaval.
According to the assessment, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez emerged as a key figure capable of maintaining order and engaging with international actors. Consequently, the report circulated among a small circle of senior national security officials after Trump received a briefing. As a result, the intelligence review became one factor behind Trump’s decision to support Rodriguez rather than opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Meanwhile, the White House declined to officially confirm the intelligence findings. However, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump routinely receives briefings on global political dynamics. She added that the administration continues to make “realistic decisions” aimed at aligning Venezuela with US interests while improving conditions for its citizens.
Machado vows return and rejects interim leadership
In contrast, opposition leader María Corina Machado sharply criticized Rodriguez and vowed to return to Venezuela. Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity from an undisclosed location, Machado said she planned to go back “as soon as possible” following the US-backed removal of Maduro.
Machado rejected Rodriguez as interim president, accusing her of overseeing torture, corruption, and narcotrafficking. Although Rodriguez has signalled a willingness to cooperate with Washington, Machado insisted the Venezuelan public rejects her leadership. She argued that free and fair elections would deliver the opposition an overwhelming victory of more than 90 percent.
Furthermore, Machado promised to dismantle criminal networks and transform Venezuela into the energy hub of the Americas. She also pledged to bring millions of displaced Venezuelans back home and rebuild democratic institutions.
