Maria Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela’s opposition, told CBS Evening News that interim president Delcy Rodríguez is “one of the main architects” of Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive regime. Rodríguez was sworn in after Maduro was captured and taken to the United States, and has military backing. Machado accused Rodríguez of overseeing torture sites and acting as a key conduit to countries such as Russia and Iran, and noted Rodríguez was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Machado added that while the U.S. may be encouraging Rodríguez to dismantle criminal networks, “nobody trusts her,” which could complicate any transition.
Machado Calls Delcy Rodríguez “One Of The Main Architects” Of Maduro’s Repressive Regime
Machado says Maduro's No. 2 was "one of the main architects" of his oppressive regime
Maria Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela's opposition, accused interim president Delcy Rodríguez of being “one of the main architects” of Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive rule in an interview with Tony Dokoupil that aired on CBS Evening News.
“Everybody in Venezuela and abroad knows perfectly who she is and the role she has played,” Machado said, condemning Rodríguez’s longtime role within Maduro’s government.
Background: Rodríguez — who served as Maduro’s vice president — was sworn in as interim president after Maduro was captured and taken to the United States. Venezuela’s military has publicly expressed support for Rodríguez, who is 56.
Machado, who has remained largely hidden since Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election and only recently resurfaced for public appearances, criticized calls for Rodríguez to lead the country. She described Rodríguez as a principal architect of Maduro’s “brutal” system and alleged Rodríguez oversaw sites where torture occurred.
Then-Vice President Delcy Rodriguez arrives for a meeting with diplomatic representatives in Caracas, Venezuela, Sept. 29, 2025. / Credit: Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty
“Nobody trusts her,” Machado warned, saying that mistrust could complicate any transition Rodríguez tries to lead.
Former hostage negotiator Roger Carstens told 60 Minutes that the Maduro government detained and tortured Americans arrested in Venezuela for what he described as minor offenses — an allegation Machado cited to bolster her claims about abuses under the regime.
Sanctions and Alleged International Links: Rodríguez was sanctioned during President Donald Trump’s first term for actions described as helping Maduro “maintain power and solidify his authoritarian rule.” Despite sanctions, she has not been indicted on criminal charges in the United States related to her role in Maduro’s government. Machado also alleged Rodríguez served as a principal link in communications with Russia, Iran and other countries tied to illicit activities connected to Venezuela.
Machado said she believes the U.S. has instructed Rodríguez to take certain measures intended to begin dismantling the regime’s criminal networks as a path toward a transition to democracy — yet reiterated that Rodríguez’s lack of credibility among Venezuelans could hinder any such process.
Despite the upheaval, Machado expressed continuing faith in the Venezuelan people and urged vigilance as the country faces an uncertain political transition.
Watch: Machado’s full interview with Tony Dokoupil aired on CBS Evening News at 6:30 p.m. ET.
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