Venezuelans want democracy,not Delcy Rodriguez, but she is the head of the police state Trump covets

In January 2026, polling (Economist poll, January 13, 2026) conducted following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro reveals a significant demand for rapid democratic restoration among the Venezuelan public, contrasting sharply with the current U.S.-backed interim leadership.

Approximately two-thirds of Venezuelans (67–70%) believe that new presidential elections should be held immediately. Within that group, 91% demand these elections occur within a year, with a majority wanting them within the next six months.

This popular timeline is much faster than the "several years" implied by the Trump administration, which has stated that the country must be "fixed" before people can vote.

10% of Venezuelans agree with the current U.S. stance that interim president Delcy Rodríguez should complete Maduro's term, which runs until 2031. While Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim leader, her favorable rating is a mere 13%, as she is widely seen as a continuation of the old regime.

Many Venezuelans believe the mandate for new leadership already exists. More than a third think Edmundo González, who is widely believed to have won the disputed 2024 election, should simply take office now.

Paradox of Public Opinion – Pro-Trump but Pro-Democracy. While 92% of Venezuelans express gratitude to Donald Trump for removing Maduro, they simultaneously oppose his decision to maintain the current regime’s power structure under Rodríguez rather than moving toward immediate elections.

Venezuelans have yet to come to grips with what Americans know – Donald Trump does not want democracy. Anywhere.