Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited international controversy by proclaiming himself the “Acting President of Venezuela” in a social media post on Truth Social. This unprecedented declaration comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions following a U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The controversial statement emerged even as Trump expressed willingness to engage with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who was sworn in by the parliament just two days after U.S. forces seized her predecessor. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump stated, “Venezuela is really working out well. We’re working along really well with the leadership,” while indicating potential future meetings with Rodríguez.
The current crisis stems from the January 3rd military strike in Venezuela’s capital that removed Maduro from power, with the ousted leader subsequently transported to New York to face federal charges. This intervention has triggered widespread international scrutiny and legal debates regarding sovereignty and foreign intervention.
Trump has asserted that the United States would oversee Venezuelan affairs until a secure transition can be accomplished, suggesting Washington would manage critical functions including the country’s vital oil sector. The former president has openly advocated for U.S. and private firms to gain “total access” to Venezuela’s oil industry, claiming major oil companies have already pledged $100 billion to revitalize the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Despite Trump’s bold claims, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other administration officials have clarified that Washington does not intend to permanently govern Venezuela, recognizing Rodríguez as the legitimate interim leader while pushing for democratic elections. The situation remains fluid as the international community watches developments in one of the most significant geopolitical confrontations in recent Latin American history.