Caracas, Venezuela , 13 January (H.S.): Interim President Delcy Rodríguez appointed Captain Juan Escalona, a longtime personal bodyguard to ousted leader Nicolás Maduro, as minister of the presidential office on Monday, entrusting him with managing the executive agenda and coordinating state agencies amid mounting US pressure for oil access concessions.

Escalona, who previously served as an aide to Maduro's mentor Hugo Chávez, survived the January 3 US bombing raid on Caracas that captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, killing approximately 55 security personnel—including 32 Cuban protectors dispatched by Havana.

His attendance at Rodríguez's inaugural cabinet meeting last week quelled rumors of his demise in the strike, signaling continuity for Chavista loyalists.

Strategic Appointments Amid Crisis

Rodríguez's reshuffle also ousted the presidential guard commander overseeing counterintelligence operations, installed a new economic overseer, and named military officer Aníbal Coronado as environment minister, reflecting efforts to consolidate power while negotiating Washington's demands on Venezuela's vast petroleum reserves.

Announced via Telegram, Escalona's elevation praised his loyalty and experience, countering supporter whispers of betrayal within Maduro's inner circle during the raid. Maduro and Flores now face drug-trafficking charges in New York, which they deny, as Trump asserts US dominance over Venezuelan affairs and hints at direct talks with Rodríguez.

Geopolitical Maneuvering Post-Raid

The moves occur against Trump's declaration of being in charge of Venezuela, following the precision strike that toppled Maduro's regime after years of sanctions and isolation. Rodríguez's cooperation on oil seizures has drawn White House approbation, contrasting with sidelined opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado, whom Trump will host Thursday.

Critics view Escalona's rise—rooted in decades of personal security for Chávez and Maduro—as emblematic of entrenched militarism, even as Rodríguez courts US investment to stabilize a crumbling economy battered by hyperinflation and shortages.

Implications for Chavismo's Survival

This cabinet infusion blends survivalist pragmatism with ideological fidelity, as Rodríguez balances fealty to Maduro's jailed cadre against pragmatic alignment with Trump-era realpolitik. Venezuelan state media portrays seamless governance restoration, yet analysts warn of fragility given US leverage over oil exports funding 95 percent of revenues.

Escalona's portfolio positions him as a linchpin in daily operations, potentially shielding Rodríguez from internal dissent while facilitating resource handovers demanded by Washington.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar