Donald Trump Declares Himself ‘Acting President’ of Venezuela Following Maduro’s Arrest

Washington/Caracas: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared himself the “Acting President” of Venezuela after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. Maduro was arrested in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, during a U.S.-led operation, and is now facing trial in the United States on charges including drug trafficking.

Following the arrest, Trump stated that the United States would take control of Venezuela. He has now reinforced this claim by sharing a digitally altered image on Truth Social in which his official portrait is labeled “Acting President of Venezuela.” The image incorporates edits from Maduro’s Wikipedia page to strengthen his claim.

Legal Reality in Venezuela
Inside Venezuela, the interim leadership is established through the Supreme Tribunal of Justice and the country’s constitutional succession process, not through executive claims by a foreign head of state. After Maduro’s removal, the Supreme Tribunal authorized Vice President Delsy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president. Despite this, Trump publicly asserted authority over Venezuela, dismissing constitutional norms.

Trump’s Social Media Move
In addition to declaring himself acting president, Trump humorously supported the idea of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio becoming Cuba’s president, posting a social media image with the caption, “I like this idea.” Rubio remains America’s Secretary of State, and the post was widely interpreted as a provocative political statement.

Background: U.S. Intervention
On 3 January, U.S. forces conducted a strike in Caracas that led to Maduro’s arrest. During a subsequent press conference, Trump said the United States would manage Venezuela during the transition to “ensure oil flow.” On 4 January, he formally described the U.S. as the country’s “custodian.” While Secretary of State Rubio later indicated that the U.S. did not intend to directly govern Venezuela, Trump’s actions suggest that American oversight will continue until U.S. interests—particularly commercial ones—are secured.