Venezuelans Fear Instability After U.S. Ouster of Maduro

Venezuelans reacted with fear and uncertainty after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro in an early morning raid, removing him from power. Many who opposed Mr. Maduro said they wanted him gone but worry the intervention could bring greater instability. José, an entrepreneur living in Mexico City who voted against Mr.

Maduro in 2024, said his immediate feeling was dread. “What will happen tomorrow?” he said, adding that Maduro was only “one part of a much bigger machine.” The former president was widely unpopular and accused of stealing the 2024 election, with an independent exit poll and opposition tally showing a decisive loss.

Still, public reaction at home was muted: the streets of Caracas were largely silent, apart from small government-organized demonstrations protesting the ouster. Some Venezuelans and former officials oppose foreign intervention. Beatrice Rangel, once chief of staff to a former president, said she has always been against such interventions but argued that with Venezuela “there was no other way to remove Maduro without the U.S.” Concerns grew because key figures from Mr.

Maduro’s government remain in place. President Trump said the United States would “run” Venezuela, and named Delcy Rodríguez as interim president; she appeared loyal to Mr. Maduro in remarks and maintained that Mr. Maduro remained the “only president” of Venezuela.

Key Topics

World, Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, Donald Trump, Venezuela, Caracas