In a highly provocative move, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly shared an image depicting captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The photograph, disseminated via Trump’s Truth Social platform on Saturday, January 3, 2026, shows the detained leader blindfolded, wearing headphones and dark glasses, and dressed in casual sweats while holding a water bottle, with his hands apparently restrained.
This digital disclosure occurred moments after Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez formally demanded verifiable proof that Maduro and his wife remained alive following their capture during a U.S. military operation. The post preceded a scheduled press briefing by Trump, which commenced approximately thirty minutes behind its announced 8:00 PM UAE time slot.
Earlier confirmations via Fox News interviews revealed that Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were indeed detained during overnight operations and are currently being transported to New York aboard the naval vessel. Attorney General Pam Bondi substantiated that the couple will face formal charges in the Southern District of New York upon arrival.
Trump elaborated on the complexity of the capture operation, describing Maduro’s residence as a heavily fortified ‘fortress.’ In a revealing detail, he noted that U.S. forces constructed an exact replica of the Venezuelan presidential residence—complete with identical security features and vaults—to meticulously plan and execute the high-stakes mission.