Donald Trump declares himself as Acting President of Venezuela

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has effectively positioned itself in control of Venezuela. Trump posted a viral image on Truth Social on January 12, 202G, claiming himself as the "Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026," and the US would "run" the country temporarily.

What happened?

● On January 12, 202G, Donald Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, a photo that labeled him as the “Acting President of Venezuela”

● He also mentioned that millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil would be delivered to the U.S. and sold, with the proceeds controlled by the U.S. government.

Why This Happened?

● Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured on 3 January, 2026 and taken to the U.S., where they face charges.

● This was part of a larger escalating conflict between the U.S. and Venezuela.

Who is Really Running Venezuela?

● Ms Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s vice president and oil minister, was officially sworn in as the interim president after Maduro’s removal. This was done by Venezuela’s own constitutional process.

● Rodriguez rejected US claims of authority, demanded Maduro's release, and declared him the nation's rightful leader.

● Trump warned that Rodriguez could "pay a very big price" if she did not cooperate with the US. Trump suggested her consequences could be even more severe than Maduro's, who is being held in New York on narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges.

● Trump said the US would decide which companies are allowed to operate in Venezuela and help rebuild its deteriorated oil sector.