Donald Trump has proclaimed himself “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026” in a social media post styled like an edited Wikipedia page. The post featured his official portrait and listed him as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States, the statement was said.
The claim is not reflected on Wikipedia and has not been recognized by any international body, the report was said.
The announcement came after a United States military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were flown to New York to face federal drug trafficking and narcoterrorism charges. The operation followed months of US pressure, sanctions, and military activity targeting the country, the report was said.
Maduro described his removal as a “kidnapping,” while countries including China, Russia, Colombia, and Spain condemned the US action as a violation of international law, analysts said.
Hours after the operation, Trump declared that the United States would temporarily govern Venezuela, citing security concerns and the need for a controlled transition, the statement was said. He also said the US would oversee Venezuelan oil production and manage its sales to global markets during this interim period, the statement was said.
Inside Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim President by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. Rodríguez rejected US authority, demanded Maduro’s release, and reaffirmed him as the nation’s rightful leader, the report was said.
Trump warned that Rodríguez could “pay a very big price” if she did not cooperate with the United States, suggesting her consequences could exceed those faced by Maduro, who remains in US custody, the statement was said.
Trump also claimed credit after Venezuelan authorities announced the release of political prisoners as a gesture toward peace. On Truth Social, he said the releases had occurred “in a big way” following US action and warned the freed prisoners to “never forget it,” the statement was said.
The US President additionally urged major American oil companies to invest up to $100 billion in Venezuela to rapidly expand oil production. He said the US would decide which companies could operate in the country and assist in rebuilding its deteriorated oil sector, the statement was said.
He also praised an agreement with Venezuela’s interim leadership to supply 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States, saying deliveries could continue indefinitely and help lower US energy prices, the statement was said.
