Maduro’s son backs Rodríguez even as she extends hand to Trump

Maduro Guerra spoke during the installation of Venezuela’s National Assembly in Caracas on Monday.

Nicolás Maduro’s son said he would “unconditionally support” Delcy Rodríguez, who has been declared acting president of Venezuela after his father was captured by the US and flown out of the country.

Nicolás Maduro Guerra’s comments mark his first public backing of Rodríguez, whom President Donald Trump has said would work with Washington to “make Venezuela great again.” Maduro Guerra spoke during the installation of Venezuela’s National Assembly in Caracas on Monday.

“To you, Delcy, my unconditional support. Count on me and my family,” Maduro Guerra said, after tearfully describing what he called difficult hours for his family.

After initially describing Maduro’s capture by US forces as “barbaric,” Rodriguez struck a more conciliatory tone late on Sunday, asking the US to work with her country on a cooperation agenda.

Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy’s brother, was reinstated as head of the assembly for a sixth consecutive annual term.

Maduro Guerra, 34, has served in the National Assembly since 2021 and was sworn in for a new legislative term on Monday. Often referred to as “Nicolasito,” he is Maduro’s only son and is frequently seen alongside him at political rallies and public events. The ruling party has promoted him as part of a younger generation of leaders where he has largely focused on religious affairs.

While the parliamentary session was under way, Maduro supporters took to the streets for a second consecutive day to protest his capture. The only absent lawmaker among the 285 elected last year was Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, whose empty seat and name were shown on state television.

Ruling party lawmakers appeared largely somber, though many flashed victory signs and raised clenched fists in a show of resistance. Longtime Maduro allies, including his right-hand man Juan Escalona, received visible gestures of support from colleagues.