The two Venezuelan women vying for Trump’s support to lead the country after Maduro capture

As it finds itself in the most uncertain position in its modern history, Venezuela’s destiny may well be decided by the maneuvering of two powerful women.

After former Venezuelan ruler Nicolas Maduro was snatched from Caracas in the dead of night by U.S. Army Delta Force commandos, most observers were certain the U.S. would push for Maria Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader, as the next president of Venezuela. Many were shocked, then, when the same morning as Maduro’s capture, President Donald Trump indicated that Machado couldn’t be the leader of Venezuela, and the U.S. would instead support Vice President Delcy Rodriguez for the time being.

Trump’s choice reflected Washington’s newfound realpolitik approach to geopolitics, but also a long-running behind-the-scenes effort from the