In a move that has stunned diplomats and social media users alike, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared himself the “Acting President of Venezuela.” Following the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to share an edited image styled after a Wikipedia biography. The image features his official portrait with the bold caption: “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026.”
A Bold Claim of Control
The post serves as a symbolic exclamation point to “Operation Absolute Resolve,” the high-stakes military mission that extracted Maduro from Caracas and transported him to Florida to face federal narco-terrorism charges. While Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was officially sworn in as interim president in Caracas to manage a 90-day transition, Trump’s post suggests a different reality. He stated that the U.S. would essentially “run” the country and its massive oil reserves until a “safe and proper transition” is achieved.
Sidelining the Opposition
Perhaps equally shocking was Trump’s public dismissal of Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition leader whom many expected to take the reins. Despite her significant international standing, Trump claimed in his post—and subsequent interviews—that she “doesn’t have the support or the respect” within Venezuela to lead. By rejecting Machado and posting his own “incumbency,” Trump has signaled that Washington intends to keep a direct hand on the wheel of Venezuelan governance and its oil infrastructure.
Global Impact and Uncertainty
This unprecedented declaration has ignited a firestorm of debate over national sovereignty and international law. By labeling himself the acting leader of a foreign nation on social media, Trump has moved the crisis beyond a simple military intervention into a bizarre and uncharted diplomatic territory. As the 90-day countdown for Delcy Rodríguez’s interim government begins, the world is left watching Truth Social for the next directive on who truly holds power in Caracas.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
Anand Gantela is a seasoned media professional with nearly three decades of experience across the spectrum of Indian journalism. Having worked extensively in both print and broadcast media, he has held key positions at renowned outlets such as Prajashakthi, Andhra Bhoomi, Mudra, Media India, Siti Cable, Mana Telugu, and Maa TV. From ground-level reporting to managing news bureaus and overseeing bulletin production, Anand has witnessed the evolution of news firsthand. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the dynamic and ever- evolving landscape of news reporting.
