The Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C., headquarters of the U.S. Department of Justice. Photo: Coolcaesar | Wikimedia Commons.
Guacamaya, March 11, 2026. The U.S. Department of Justice sent an official letter today to Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn of the Southern District of New York, formally recognizing Delcy Rodríguez as the “sole Head of State” of Venezuela.
The document was issued in response to the court’s invitation to submit a statement of interest regarding the impact of recent developments in Venezuela on ongoing matters before the Court.
The letter, dated March 11, 2026, states that the United States supports “a phased process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition toward a democratically elected government.” Within that framework, Delcy emerges as the only figure authorized “to act on behalf of Venezuela.”
However, the Department of Justice avoided taking a substantive position on key issues—specifically, whether it would weigh in on crucial litigation. It declined to opine on who represents “Venezuelan state entities,” which in practice includes PDVSA and its subsidiaries such as Citgo Petroleum.
Legal Implications: Assets and Sovereignty
This step has immediate consequences in New York courts, where cases involving billions in frozen assets, narcotrafficking allegations, and human rights violations are being litigated. Whoever is recognized as head of state is responsible for the legal defense in these ongoing cases. Until now, that role in the United States has been carried out by the self‑styled “Interim Government” of Juan Guaidó and its successor, the “2015 National Assembly” (AN 2015).
The recognition also affects who would defend Venezuelan citizens abroad. For example, in recent weeks Nicolás Maduro has had access to a consular representative from the government led by Delcy Rodríguez.
The implications extend to the auction of PDV Holding, the parent company of Citgo currently controlled by the AN 2015. Creditors of Venezuela and PDVSA—unable to collect their debts in Caracas—have in many cases sought to liquidate state assets such as the well‑known refining corporation.
Meanwhile, the Southern District of New York will now have the authority to validate legal representatives without clear executive guidance, which could lead to delays or rulings with international‑law ramifications. A decision is expected in the coming days that may define the recognition of legal representatives without ambiguity.
Beyond the Courts: A Political Shift
Washington is formalizing its bet on the transition by accompanying it rather than leading it, prioritizing stability over confrontation. In doing so, it distances itself from Guaidó’s “Interim Government” and its successor, embracing a more pragmatic approach.
For chavismo, this may represent a symbolic victory that strengthens Delcy in the new governing era. For the opposition, it may open a window of opportunity in the so‑called transitional phase. Notably, the United States is not granting full legal representation, meaning this is a partial recognition subject to future developments.
This move could be another nail in the coffin for the AN 2015, whose primary function in recent years has been to manage and coordinate the legal defense of certain national assets abroad—such as PDV Holding, Citgo, and several Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) accounts. The latter have been used to finance the Assembly’s own activities through multimillion‑dollar loans, with no clear path for repayment.
