Rodríguez faces significant hurdles in establishing his authority in Venezuela. Nevertheless, some experts anticipate that the country’s influential figures will once again unite as they have in the past.

David Smilde, a sociology professor at Tulane University with extensive experience in analyzing Venezuela’s political landscape, remarked, “These leaders recognize the benefits of staying united. Cabello has consistently played a subordinate role, understanding that his fate is intertwined with Maduro’s, and it’s likely he will continue to do so.”

Smilde emphasized that much hinges on the condition of Venezuela’s military following the recent U.S. airstrike. “If their military capacity is significantly reduced, they are left more vulnerable and weakened,” he noted.

An snub of the opposition

Meanwhile, just before President Trump’s press conference, opposition leader Machado urged her ally, Edmundo González, a retired diplomat believed to have rightfully won the contested 2024 presidential election, to “immediately assume his constitutional mandate and be recognized as the commander-in-chief.”

In a victorious tone, Machado affirmed her movement’s commitment to “restore order, free political prisoners, create an exceptional nation, and bring our children back home.”

She confidently declared, “We are ready to assert our mandate and assume power.”

Trump seemed to throw cold water on those plans.

Asked about Machado, Trump was blunt: “I think it would be very tough for (Machado) to be the leader,” he said, shocking many Venezuelan viewers who expected Trump’s talk of liberation to mean a swift democratic transition.

“She doesn’t have the support or respect within the country.”

Machado has not responded to Trump’s remarks.