Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez Appoints Sanctioned General as New Defense Minister

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez has replaced Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino with General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez, a move signaling continued consolidation of power within her inner circle.

Padrino, who held the defense portfolio for over a decade and was sanctioned by the U.S. for alleged drug trafficking and support of ousted President Nicolas Maduro, was thanked by Rodriguez in a Telegram post and assigned new duties.

Lopez, 65, previously led Venezuela’s Military Counterintelligence Directorate (DGCIM) and served as head of strategic affairs at state oil giant PDVSA under Rodriguez. He is sanctioned by both the U.S. and EU for human rights abuses and corruption.

The leadership shuffle comes as Venezuela re-engages diplomatically with the United States following years of hostility. Despite Washington’s outreach, the UN recently noted that Venezuela’s repressive security apparatus remains fully operational.