Delcy Rodríguez announced the changes in a social media post, stating she designated a renewed military high command. She thanked Vladimir Padrino López for loyal service but gave no explanation for the change. According to multiple reports, Rodríguez fired the long-serving defense minister Vladimir Padrino López, who is replaced by general Gustavo González López. The specific reasons for Padrino López's dismissal remain unclear, and the names and positions of all the senior military commanders replaced have not been disclosed.
Vladimir Padrino López served as defense minister since 2014 and was close to former president Nicolás Maduro. His ouster marks a significant shift in Venezuela's military leadership, which has historically been aligned with Maduro's government.
This move comes in the context of the US ousting Nicolás Maduro in a special forces raid on January 3. Maduro was taken to New York along with his wife for trial on US-issued drug trafficking charges. Rodríguez, who served as vice-president under Nicolás Maduro, now leads an interim government that has aligned itself with US interests. The reaction of the Venezuelan public and military to these changes is not yet fully known.
I announce the designation of the renewed military high command.
Rodríguez has enacted a historic amnesty law to free political prisoners jailed under Maduro, though the specific terms of this law have not been detailed. She has also changed oil and mining regulations in line with US demands for access to Venezuela's natural wealth. According to major media reports, Venezuela has opened its oil sector to new private investments in line with US demands, but the details of the new oil and mining regulations implemented by Rodríguez remain unspecified.
President Donald Trump has said he effectively runs Venezuela now and is letting Rodríguez stay in power so long as she toes the US line. Washington and Caracas have resumed their diplomatic relations, signaling a thaw in previously hostile ties.
The Venezuelan military oversees oil, mining and food distribution enterprises, as well as customs operations and key government ministries, making its loyalty crucial to Rodríguez's government. The Venezuelan military has sworn loyalty to Delcy Rodríguez, according to reports, though how this pledge translates into practical support amid the leadership changes is still unfolding.