A leaked video has exposed the Venezuelan regime’s frantic efforts to control its narrative after the US capture of Nicolás Maduro. The recording shows acting president Delcy Rodríguez telling regime-friendly influencers that US forces gave her and other cabinet members 15 minutes to comply with Washington’s demands or face death.
Rodríguez, who assumed power after the US attack and has since been praised by Donald Trump for cooperating, said she acted only because of constant threats and blackmail. She admitted her priority was to preserve political power. The nearly two-hour meeting, first reported by La Hora de Venezuela, offers a rare glimpse into the workings of the Chavista regime.
In the recording, communications minister Freddy Ñáñez urged influencers to shut down gossip and defend Rodríguez, calling her the only guarantee to bring back Maduro and reconfigure forces. Rodríguez said it hurt to assume responsibilities under such circumstances, and claimed US troops initially told them Maduro and his wife had been assassinated.
Rodríguez listed three goals: preserve peace, rescue hostages, and preserve political power. The meeting was likely recorded on a videoconferencing platform, and it remains unclear how it was leaked. Neither the Venezuelan nor US governments responded to requests for comment.
Since Maduro’s capture, Rodríguez has walked a fine line, voicing defiance at home but signalling cooperation with Washington. Analysts suggest the death threat narrative may be a construction to hold the regime together, as Maduro’s removal likely required internal complicity.
