Is Trump’s next target a Maduro loyalist? US puts Venezuelan security chief Diosdado Cabello on notice

In the high-stakes vacuum following the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, the Trump administration has officially identified Diosdado Cabello as the primary threat to regional stability. As Venezuela’s Interior Minister and chief of the security apparatus, Cabello commands the national police and the feared "colectivo" militias. Washington has issued a direct ultimatum: cooperate with Interim President Delcy Rodríguez or face a targeted law enforcement operation and the $25 million bounty on his head.

Following the success of "Operation Absolute Resolve," Diosdado Cabello has emerged as the most dangerous "core" Chavista still on the ground. While Delcy Rodríguez holds the presidency, Cabello holds the street power. He currently controls the Bolivarian National Guard and the military intelligence service (DGCIM). U.S. officials fear Cabello could act as a "spoiler," using his command over thousands of armed paramilitaries to incite chaos or stage a counter-coup against the U.S.-backed transition.

Reports indicate that Cabello has been seen personally leading heavily armed units through the streets of Caracas. In social media videos, he has appeared wearing a cap emblazoned with the slogan "Always Loyal, Never Traitors," a clear signal of defiance toward the transition. This internal rivalry between Cabello’s security faction and the Rodríguez sibling’s political wing represents the most significant hurdle for U.S. policy in 2026. Washington is currently tolerating Cabello as a "temporary power broker" but is actively exploring ways to push him into exile if he remains defiant.

Trump Administration Strategy

The White House is utilizing a "cooperate or collapse" strategy regarding the remaining regime insiders. President Trump has significantly increased the pressure by placing a $25 million bounty on Cabello for his alleged role in narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. Through intermediaries, the State Department has warned Cabello that he will face a fate similar to Maduro’s—who is currently awaiting prosecution in New York—unless he ensures a peaceful handover and secures the streets of Caracas.

This strategic patience is limited. The U.S. Justice Department has noted that this remains an active law enforcement operation. While Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino is viewed as more pragmatic and likely to align with U.S. interests for a safe exit, Cabello is seen as ideologically rigid. The Trump administration’s goal is to avoid an "endless war" or the deployment of a large-scale American occupation force by forcing these hardliners to toe the line during the interim period.

Venezuela Oil Transfer

A central pillar of the "Trump Corollary" in Venezuela is the immediate securing of energy resources. President Trump confirmed on Tuesday that interim authorities will transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of "high-quality, sanctioned" crude oil to the United States. With global oil prices trading at approximately $56 per barrel, this massive transfer—worth an estimated $2.8 billion—marks a definitive shift in the global energy supply chain away from Chinese and Russian influence.

The logistics of the deal involve Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who has been tasked with overseeing the immediate transport of the oil via storage ships directly to U.S. unloading docks. This move is designed to stabilize American energy markets and fund the reconstruction of Venezuela's failing infrastructure. President Trump stated that the U.S. will personally oversee the use of these proceeds to ensure they benefit both the American and Venezuelan people, effectively taking control of the nation's financial future until a permanent government is established.

Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Interim President on January 5, 2026, following a ruling by Venezuela's Supreme Court to maintain "administrative continuity." While she has publicly condemned the U.S. raid as "military aggression," her private communications with Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggest a willingness to comply with the transition. The U.S. has concluded that the formal opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, may currently lack the security infrastructure to maintain order, making Rodríguez a necessary, albeit temporary, partner.

Cabello — a longtime ally of the late Hugo Chávez and Maduro’s closest lieutenant for more than 20 years — now controls the security forces, intelligence network and the armed civilian militias known as colectivos. These forces have been thrust into the spotlight as Venezuela’s streets grew tense and unpredictable following Maduro’s removal.

Who is Diosdado Cabello — Venezuela’s power broker

Diosdado Cabello is widely regarded as one of the most influential Venezuelan leaders outside the presidency. A veteran figure in the Chavismo movement, Cabello has held senior positions across government institutions, from parliament and party leadership to top roles in public security.

His authority stems from his role as Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, a position that gives him command over Venezuela’s internal security apparatus, intelligence coordination and the colectivos — heavily armed pro‑government militias. These groups have become a frontline force responding to unrest on the streets of Caracas and other cities. Reports from independent observers and international media indicate colectivos performing checkpoints and searches on civilians, contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Cabello has courted controversy for years. He faces US indictments alongside Maduro on drug trafficking charges, and human rights organizations have accused him of overseeing violent crackdowns on political dissent. Despite these allegations, he remains an indispensable figure in any transition scenario because he commands both formal and informal instruments of power.

In public remarks since the crisis began, Cabello has projected confidence that the Chavista project will endure and has explicitly promised that Maduro will eventually return to power, reinforcing his image as both a political strategist and ideological standard‑bearer.

FAQs:

Q: Who is Diosdado Cabello, and why is he a focus for the US?

A: Diosdado Cabello is Venezuela’s Interior Minister and Maduro loyalist. He controls security forces, intelligence, and armed militias. US officials see him as a key power broker who could influence the country’s transition. His cooperation is critical for any US-backed interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez.

Q: What are the US demands and risks for Cabello’s cooperation?

A: The US expects Venezuela to open its oil industry, crack down on narcotics, expel Cuban personnel, and limit Iran cooperation. Cabello faces a choice: cooperate or risk potential US action. Acting against him could trigger militia violence, threatening stability in Caracas and other urban centers.