Delcy Rodríguez, once Venezuela's foreign minister, saw opportunity in Donald Trump's rise to the presidency, directing a significant donation to his inauguration and seeking to open doors for American investment. Although her outreach to the new administration did not yield immediate results, it raised her profile in U.S. political and business circles and set the stage for her ascent within Venezuela's ruling elite. Over the years, Rodríguez leveraged her international experience, political savvy, and connections to consolidate power, eventually becoming interim president after Nicolás Maduro's capture.

Rodríguez's leadership style is described as pragmatic yet ruthless, with a willingness to collaborate with foreign partners to revive Venezuela's struggling oil economy. Her rise has been marked by both internal power struggles and strategic alliances, including the sidelining of rivals and the recruitment of global advisers. Despite her growing influence, the future of Venezuelan democracy remains uncertain, as neither Rodríguez nor Trump have prioritized elections, and the opposition faces significant obstacles. Observers note that Rodríguez's practical approach may stabilize the country, but questions persist about the prospects for genuine political change.