Donald Trump has made a controversial declaration, asserting that he is the “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026.” A social media post resembling an edited Wikipedia entry showcased his official portrait, inaccurately labeling him as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States. However, Trump’s claim is unsupported by any official recognition or acknowledgment from international bodies, with Venezuela’s government and international observers dismissing it entirely.
This assertion follows the recent U.S. operation that led to the capture and transport of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to New York, where he now faces serious federal drug trafficking charges. The operation occurred amidst heightened U.S. pressures, sanctions, and military maneuvers targeting the resource-rich nation. Maduro, claiming he was “kidnapped,” has received criticism from countries like China, Russia, Colombia, and Spain for what they view as a flagrant violation of international law by the United States.
In the wake of these events, Trump announced that the U.S. would temporarily “run” Venezuela, citing security concerns and the need for a controlled transition of power. He stated that the U.S. would take charge of Venezuelan oil and manage its sale on global markets during this interim administration. Consequently, Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s deputy, has assumed the role of interim President, firmly rejecting U.S. authority and demanding Maduro’s release, while reaffirming Maduro’s position as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
Trump has issued stern warnings to Rodriguez regarding the potential consequences of not collaborating with U.S. officials, indicating that she could face harsher repercussions than Maduro, currently detained in New York. Trump’s administration has also touted Venezuela’s decision to release several political prisoners as a move towards “peace,” suggesting that this development was a direct result of U.S. pressure.
Moreover, Trump has engaged with major American oil companies, inviting investments up to $100 billion to revitalize Venezuela’s oil production capabilities. During a meeting with oil executives, Trump emphasized that the U.S. would dictate which companies could operate in Venezuela and assist in rejuvenating its ailing oil sector. He announced a preliminary agreement with Venezuela’s interim leadership to allocate 50 million barrels of crude oil to the U.S., promising that such shipments could persist indefinitely, benefiting U.S. energy prices in the process.
Additionally, Trump has authorized an executive order designed to safeguard funds in the United States generated from Venezuelan oil sales, reinforcing the U.S.’s influence in the region during this tumultuous period.