Venezuela Names Interim President as Maduro Faces U.S. Court

Venezuela has sworn in an interim president following the U.S. prosecution of Nicolás Maduro. The move escalates a diplomatic crisis between the two nations. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was appointed interim leader. The decision came shortly after Maduro pleaded not guilty in a New York court to narcoterrorism charges. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges he conspired to flood America with cocaine. Rodríguez condemned the U.S. legal action. She stated she was pained by what she called the "kidnapping" of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Flores also faces charges. Maduro's arrest and prosecution occurred in Cape Verde, where his plane made a scheduled stop. He was then extradited to the United States. The Venezuelan government maintains Maduro remains its constitutional president. Officials describe Rodríguez's role as temporary, for administrative continuity only.