Following the arrest of its president, Nicolás Maduro, by the United States, Venezuela moved quickly to fill the power vacuum by appointing Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. However, the most striking move was the appointment of the detained president’s bodyguard to a ministerial position.
Two days ago, Rodríguez, the deputy to the detained president, announced the appointment of Juan Escalona as the Minister of the Presidential Office. In a statement on Telegram, she confirmed that he has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of government plans and policies, as well as the presidential agenda.
Escalona is one of the most prominent security escorts for the detained Venezuelan president and is widely known as his personal bodyguard. However, he is not an ordinary guard; he holds a military rank in the Venezuelan army as a Captain.
During the era of the late President Hugo Chávez, Escalona held the position of “Aide-de-camp,” meaning personal military escort, a role he continued under Maduro. He is also considered one of the most prominent activists within the ruling party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
Ten days ago, Juan Escalona was sworn in as a deputy representing the state of Portuguesa in the Venezuelan Parliament and became a member of the Investigation and Information Committee responsible for monitoring current laws and regulations.
The step of appointing Maduro’s bodyguard to a ministerial post has sparked surprise and controversy, gaining wide coverage across various newspapers and media outlets.
Social Media Reaction
Social media users reacted to the news, as highlighted in the January 14, 2026, episode of the “Networks” (Shabakat) program:
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Abdul Razzaq commented on the possibility of betrayal: “It seems this bodyguard is the agent who sold Maduro out… for the record, he has significant political weight and isn’t just a security official as some might think. I believe he led the conspiracy against him; otherwise, America wouldn’t allow him to be a minister!”
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Naeem spoke on the issue of loyalty in Venezuela: “If President Maduro himself worked as a bus driver, why are you surprised? In Venezuela, loyalty matters more than education or capabilities… I believe this man holds a high position in the ruling party.”
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Maha felt the appointment was appropriate for an “insider”: “I think he is the best choice; he knows all the state secrets from Chávez to Maduro and is a son of the party. But I thought Venezuelans wanted to change the regime and all the faces they’ve known… Strange!”
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Hafeez expressed bewilderment at the situation: “Mashallah, they turned what was left into positions… presidency, parliament, party, and he even sings! Venezuela is truly strange, and its laws are bizarre.”
It is noteworthy that Venezuelan law prohibits holding two state positions simultaneously. Therefore, the Parliament voted for a temporary dismissal of Juan Escalona so he could serve exclusively as a minister.
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