Trump Declares US Will 'Run' Venezuela Post-Maduro Capture

Mon Jan 05 2026 12:27:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a bold statement following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump vowed that the US will oversee the nation’s governance and rejuvenate its oil infrastructure.

Following the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump announced intentions for the US to manage Venezuela and restore its oil production capabilities. Maduro, along with his wife, was removed from power and faces serious charges in the US, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism. The captured president's allies condemned US actions as aggressive military intervention, while Trump assured the American public of a structured transition in Venezuela's governance.

The US will run Venezuela until a safe, proper and judicious transition can be ensured, Donald Trump has said, after US strikes led to the capture of the country's President Nicolas Maduro.

US oil companies would also fix Venezuela's broken infrastructure and start making money for the country, the US president stated.

The US launched strikes on Venezuela on Saturday morning, during which Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, were captured and removed from the country.

Venezuela condemned the actions, declaring a state of national emergency, and the vice president reaffirmed Maduro as the country’s only legitimate leader.

Maduro and Flores were taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima after being flown out of Caracas and are now detained at Guantanamo Bay. They face multiple charges in the US, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism.

Trump emphasized the potential for US oil companies to rejuvenate Venezuela's oil sector, which he claimed has been severely mismanaged, expressing intentions to fix badly broken infrastructure and enhance profits for the nation's benefit.

The shift in governance raises numerous questions about how the US plans to run the South American nation, indicating that there would be a group leading this effort. Trump mentioned that discussions are ongoing with Venezuelan Vice-President, Delcy Rodríguez, who reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate with US directives.

Rodríguez, however, publicly maintained Maduro’s position as the legitimate president, vowing the government’s commitment to defend itself. Despite the claims of cooperation, she demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores post-capture.

US military operations early Saturday were characterized by explosions and widespread aircraft activity over Caracas aimed at securing Maduro. This has been part of an escalated campaign against his administration, blending military interventions with previous sanctions and naval deployments.

The international community remains divided on the US's military actions. Countries like Russia and China have condemned it as an act of aggression against a sovereign nation, while European leaders have stressed the importance of a peaceful transition of power.

The situation continues to develop, leaving the future of both Venezuela's governance and US foreign policy uncertain.