Venezuela's ruling party is experiencing internal divisions after 27 years of unity, with longtime loyalists publicly criticizing the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez following the January capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.

Rodríguez has implemented significant policy changes since assuming power, including releasing political prisoners, overhauling the nation's oil industry through National Assembly legislation, and allowing closer cooperation with the United States. These shifts represent a departure from the anti-American stance that characterized the governments of Hugo Chávez and Maduro.

The warming relationship with Washington has drawn particular criticism from Chavismo supporters. In May, the deportation of former minister Alex Saab to face criminal investigations in the U.S. sparked controversy, with critics arguing it violated constitutional protections. Additionally, Rodríguez's authorization of a U.S. military training exercise in Caracas, which saw Marine Corps Osprey aircraft land at the U.S. Embassy, prompted protests and criticism from former officials.

Mario Silva, a former pro-government television host removed from the airwaves after Maduro's capture, questioned the government's independence, suggesting some decisions "are being made in the U.S. Embassy." Elías Jaua, who served as vice president under Chávez and in Maduro's early cabinet, described the current situation as "humiliating" for Venezuela.

Some loyalists have also voiced suspicions about possible internal betrayal leading to Maduro's ouster. Lawmaker Iris Varela told a podcaster she believed a government insider had assisted the U.S. operation, though no evidence has emerged to support such claims. Even criticism has appeared on state television, with a Colombian leftist leader questioning Venezuela's efforts to secure Maduro's release from U.S. custody.

The Trump administration now oversees Venezuela's oil sales and administers revenues as part of a plan to restructure the South American country. The previous government's crisis had driven more than 7.7 million people to leave Venezuela and pushed millions into poverty before Maduro's removal from power.