Acting President Delcy Rodriguez Replaces Vladimir Padrino Lopez as Defense Minister.

Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced a significant cabinet shake-up on March 18, 2026.

“Caracas — The interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, dismissed Vladimir Padrino López on Wednesday after more than a decade as Defense Minister in the South American country, and appointed General Gustavo González López in his place, two months after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro during a U”

14ymedio

She replaced longtime Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez with General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez.

14ymedio

This marks one of the most consequential personnel changes since former President Nicolas Maduro's capture by U.S. forces.

Padrino had served as Defense Minister since October 2014 and was considered one of the most influential military figures.

Rodriguez thanked Padrino for his 'loyalty to the homeland' and his role as 'the first soldier in the defense of our country.'

Padrino had served for over eleven years in the position.

The announcement was made via Rodriguez's Telegram channel.

Rodriguez stated that Padrino would assume 'new responsibilities' but did not disclose specific details.

General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez is the newly appointed Defense Minister.

He brings extensive experience in Venezuela's security and intelligence apparatus.

ABC

The 65-year-old military officer has previously served as director of Sebin from 2014-2018 and 2019-2024.

He also served as Venezuela's Interior Minister from 2015-2016.

Since January 6, 2026, he had been serving as commander of the Presidential Honor Guard.

He also headed the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM).

Gonzalez Lopez has been sanctioned by multiple countries including the US, Canada, EU, and Switzerland.

These sanctions relate to human rights violations and corruption.

The UN identified him as having knowledge of and participating in grave violations against political opponents.

The timing of Padrino's removal is significant, occurring about ten weeks after Maduro's capture.

“Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez has announced that she is replacing the country’s longtime defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino, a central figure from the administration of former President Nicolas Maduro”

Al Jazeera

Maduro was captured during a U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026.

This event has fundamentally altered Venezuela's political landscape.

Sources indicate Padrino was kept in his position after Maduro's capture to ensure military stability.

The military has approximately 2,000 generals controlling troops and business interests.

Padrino had been sanctioned by the U.S. over alleged drug trafficking and support for Maduro.

After Maduro's capture, Padrino declared Venezuela would resist foreign troops.

He mentioned the military was preparing 'guerrilla-style' attacks to confront invasion.

Subsequent reporting shows Padrino worked with Rodriguez to comply with U.S. demands.

This included cooperation on oil, mining, and releasing political prisoners.

Analysts suggest Rodriguez's appointment is strategic consolidation of Chavista power.

This could strengthen Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello's influence.

Anadolu Agency

Gonzalez Lopez is considered close to Cabello.

His appointment to Defense Ministry could consolidate Cabello's control over coercive apparatus.

This occurs at a critical juncture in Venezuela's political transition.

Washington and Caracas are engaged in complex negotiations.

These discussions may include extradition of Alex Saab, a key Maduro ally.

Both Cabello and Padrino face U.S. indictments and multimillion-dollar rewards.

Padrino is specifically sought for 'conspiracy to distribute cocaine'.

U.S. officials are offering $15 million for his capture.

The replacement continues a pattern of cabinet changes since Rodriguez became president.

“The interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced that General Gustavo González López will replace Vladimir Padrino López as Venezuela's Minister of Defense after 11 years in the post”

Cadena SER

In February, government ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz departed.

Cadena SER

Tarek William Saab resigned as attorney general in February.

Saab subsequently took up Ruiz's post on an interim basis.

These changes reflect ongoing reconfiguration of political and military leadership.

This occurs as Venezuela navigates transition under Rodriguez's government.

The Defense Ministry change comes amid broader military restructuring.

Sources indicate adjustments across 12 of 28 regional commands.

Padrino's departure may not represent complete break from past.

Both he and Gonzalez Lopez represent continuity in military establishment.