The political crisis in Venezuela has reached a fever pitch following the leak of a dramatic audio recording featuring Interim President Delcy Rodríguez. In the six-minute clip, Rodríguez recounts a harrowing ultimatum allegedly issued by U.S. forces during the high-stakes military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026.
The “15-Minute” Ultimatum
The recording, which surfaced on social media on January 23, captures Rodríguez speaking to a group of Maduro allies and pro-government influencers. In it, she claims that in the immediate chaos of Operation Absolute Resolve, U.S. troops gave her and other top officials—including her brother Jorge Rodríguez and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello—just 15 minutes to comply with Washington’s demands.
“The threats began from the very first minute they kidnapped the President,” Rodríguez says in the audio. “They gave Diosdado, Jorge, and me 15 minutes to respond, or they would kill us.”
Rodríguez further alleged that U.S. forces initially told her Maduro and his wife had been assassinated, prompting her and Cabello to state they were “ready to share the same fate.”
A Secret Alliance?
The leak comes at a critical time, appearing just 24 hours after reports emerged of a potential secret backchannel between Rodríguez and the U.S. government. According to sources cited by The Guardian, Rodríguez had been in contact with Washington since November 2025, reportedly signaling that Maduro’s removal was inevitable and that she was prepared to manage a “controlled transition” to prevent state collapse.
Key revelations from the reports include:
- Strategic Timing: Talks allegedly began around the time President Donald Trump publicly urged Maduro to step down.
- The “Guarantor” Role: Communication Minister Freddy Ñáñez defended Rodríguez in the meeting, calling her the “only guarantee” to bring back Maduro while “reconfiguring” the regime’s forces.
- U.S. Coordination: President Trump recently hinted at these discussions, stating, “We’ve spoken to her numerous times, and she understands.”
The Current Standoff
While Rodríguez continues to use defiant rhetoric domestically—demanding the release of “hostages” and condemning the “aggression”—she has simultaneously signaled a willingness to engage in diplomacy with the Trump administration. This “double-edged” strategy appears aimed at maintaining unity among the Chavista base while securing her own political survival in a post-Maduro Venezuela.
The U.S. government has yet to officially comment on the leaked audio, but officials have confirmed that a visit by Rodríguez to Washington is being discussed.