Major Controversies Surrounding Delcy Rodríguez: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Delcy Rodríguez.

Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez is a Venezuelan lawyer, diplomat, and politician currently serving as the acting president of Venezuela since January 3, 2026, following Nicolás Maduro's removal. Previously, she was the vice president of Venezuela from 2018 to 2026. Over the years, she has held several key positions under both Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, including Minister of Popular Power for Communication and Information, Minister of Foreign Affairs, President of the Constituent Assembly, head of SEBIN, and Minister of Petroleum. Her career reflects a significant involvement in Venezuelan politics and governance.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

August 2006: Rodríguez's Tenure as Minister for Presidential Affairs Ends

In August 2006, Delcy Rodríguez's tenure as Minister for Presidential Affairs ended due to reported tensions with President Hugo Chávez.

December 2015: Rodríguez Involved in Dispute at Mercosur Summit

In December 2015, Delcy Rodríguez attended the 49th Summit of Mercosur heads of state and was involved in a dispute with the president of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, over political prisoners in Venezuela.

March 2016: Rodríguez Denounces OAS Report

In March 2016, Delcy Rodríguez denounced a report published by Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), characterizing it as an intervention strategy.

December 2016: Venezuela's Suspension from Mercosur

In December 2016, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay deliberated on the suspension of Venezuela from Mercosur due to concerns over compliance with membership prerequisites.

December 2016: Rodríguez Attempts to Enter Mercosur Meeting

In December 2016, after Venezuela was suspended from Mercosur, Delcy Rodríguez attempted to force her entry into a bloc meeting in Buenos Aires but was blocked by riot police.

June 2017: Criticism of Peruvian President

In June 2017, Delcy Rodríguez criticized the President of Peru, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, after Kuczynski proposed international intervention in Venezuela.

September 2017: Canada sanctions Rodríguez

In September 2017, Canada sanctioned Delcy Rodríguez for her role in Venezuela's constitutional crisis.

April 2018: Mexican Senate Freezes Assets

In April 2018, the Mexican Senate approved a Point of Agreement that rejected the upcoming presidential elections and froze the assets of officials of the Maduro administration, including Delcy Rodríguez, and prohibited them from entering Mexico.

June 2018: European Union Sanctions

In June 2018, shortly after being named Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez was one of eleven Venezuelan officials sanctioned by the European Union, resulting in asset freezes and a travel ban due to her role in undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.

July 2018: Switzerland Sanctions

In July 2018, Switzerland sanctioned Delcy Rodríguez, freezing her assets and imposing a travel ban, citing the same reasons as the European Union.

September 2018: United States Sanctions

In September 2018, the United States sanctioned Delcy Rodríguez for corruption and humanitarian issues by including her in OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.

December 2019: Gold Delivery Contract

On 27 December 2019, a contract was outlined to ensure the delivery of Venezuelan gold between 27 December 2019 and 6 January 2020, shortly before Delcy Rodríguez's trip to Madrid.

2019: Dispute over Delcy Rodríguez's Vice-Presidency Begins

In 2019, Delcy Rodríguez's vice-presidency was disputed, continuing until 2023.

2019: Colombia entry ban

In 2019, the government of Colombia included Delcy Rodríguez on a list of people banned from entering Colombia, along with approximately 200 other Maduro regime supporters and associates.

January 2020: Controversy at Madrid Airport

In January 2020, a controversy emerged in Spain surrounding Delcy Rodríguez's presence at Madrid–Barajas Airport, where she was purported to have met with Spanish politician José Luis Ábalos. José Luis Ábalos denied having met Rodríguez.

January 2020: Discussions about Gold Purchase

In January 2020, the Guardia Civil's Central Operative Unit (UCO) uncovered communications on Spanish businessman Víctor de Aldama's mobile phone that directly linked him to Delcy Rodríguez, indicating discussions about the purchase of Venezuelan gold.

2020: Lack of Commitment by Spanish Government

According to the Diario de Cuba, the gold transaction underscored the alleged lack of commitment by the Spanish government to support a democratic transition in Venezuela in 2020. The scandal involved a strategic omission of the gold transaction details in the official invitation sent by Ábalos to Rodríguez. The opposition Partido Popular accused Sánchez of deceit.

2023: Dispute over Delcy Rodríguez's Vice-Presidency Ends

In 2023, the dispute over Delcy Rodríguez's vice-presidency concluded.

January 2026: Delcy Rodríguez Ordered to Assume Presidential Powers

On 3 January 2026, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice ordered Delcy Rodríguez to assume presidential powers as acting president. On 5 January 2026, the European Union announced that it does not recognize Rodríguez's legitimacy as acting head of government.

January 2026: Rodríguez Granted Presidential Powers

On January 3, 2026, after the United States detained President Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was granted presidential powers under Article 233 of the Venezuelan Constitution. She demanded proof that Maduro was alive and was contacted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after which she was "sworn in" as president.