Share and Follow
Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, announced a key cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, marking a significant transition in her administration amidst ongoing interactions with the Trump administration.
General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez, aged 65, has been appointed as the new defense minister, succeeding General Vladimir Padrino, who had occupied the role for over ten years, according to a report by Reuters.
In a message shared on Telegram, Rodriguez expressed gratitude to Padrino for his dedicated service and noted that he would soon take on new duties.
Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodriguez, is seen waving goodbye to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright after their meeting at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Lopez, who has faced sanctions from both the United States and the European Union due to alleged human rights abuses and corruption, was appointed by Rodriguez in January to lead the presidential guard and the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM).
U.S. State Department “wanted” posters show Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López accused by U.S. authorities of corruption and links to drug trafficking networks. (State Department)
He previously worked with Rodriguez as head of strategic affairs at PDVSA, the state-owned oil company, which she previously oversaw as energy minister.
Padrino had also been sanctioned by the U.S. over alleged drug trafficking and his support for ousted President Nicolas Maduro.
Despite the U.S. intervention, Venezuela’s repressive apparatus remains intact, the United Nations said last week. The government has repeatedly denied allegations of human rights and political oppression.
Then-Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, left, smiles at Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, as they take the route that the body of late President Hugo Chavez followed to his final resting place, during the activities marking the 10th anniversary of Chavez’s death, in Caracas, Venezuela, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
The United States recently restored diplomatic relations with the South American nation following years of heightened tensions between the two states.
<!–>
–>