Vladimir Padrino López

Minister of Defense of Venezuela

Appears in 1 story

Office: Minister of Agriculture of Venezuela

Born: May 30, 1963, Caracas

Party: United Socialist Party of Venezuela

Education: Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army

Previous offices: Bolivarian Army, Strategic Command Operations of the Bolivaria National Armed Forces

Last updated Nov 2, 2026

Stories

The Venezuela raid and congressional war powers

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Pledged loyalty to Rodríguez government

Congress hasn't declared war since 1942, though presidents have ordered 212 military strikes without formal declarations. On January 3, 2026, U.S. special forces raided Venezuela, captured President Nicolás Maduro in his residence, and flew him to New York to face narcoterrorism charges.

Updated May 22