Trump Declares Himself ‘Acting President’ of Venezuela Amid U.S. Intervention
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a striking and unprecedented move, former President Donald Trump declared himself the “acting president” of Venezuela in a social media post on Sunday night, following recent U.S. military operations and the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The announcement came amid ongoing U.S. efforts to stabilize the crisis-ridden South American country.
Trump shared a doctored image resembling a Wikipedia page that listed him as Venezuela’s acting president starting January 2026, after the United States conducted strikes in Venezuela and seized Maduro. This declaration follows Trump’s earlier comments on January 3, when he stated that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a safe political transition could be arranged. In an interview with The New York Times published earlier this week, Trump suggested the U.S. might maintain control over Venezuela “much longer” than initially anticipated, extending beyond six months or a year.
While the notion of a former U.S. president assuming such a role is without precedent, the current administration’s actions in Venezuela reflect a broader strategy of intervention to counter authoritarian regimes in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Department of State has previously condemned Maduro’s government as illegitimate and has supported opposition leaders in their efforts to restore democracy.
The U.S. military strikes and subsequent capture of Maduro mark a significant escalation in American involvement. According to Department of Defense statements, the operations aimed to dismantle Maduro’s hold on power and disrupt illicit activities tied to his regime. The Pentagon has emphasized that the goal is to facilitate a peaceful transition and restore democratic governance.
Trump’s self-appointment as acting president has drawn mixed reactions. Some conservative groups have applauded the firm stance against Maduro’s socialist government, which has been accused of widespread human rights abuses and economic mismanagement. Meanwhile, legal experts and international observers have raised questions about the legitimacy and implications of such a claim by a former U.S. president.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid. The U.S. Department of State continues to coordinate diplomatic efforts with regional allies and international organizations to support Venezuela’s transition. Meanwhile, the Central Intelligence Agency and other intelligence agencies are reportedly monitoring developments closely to assess the stability of the new interim governance.
Trump’s announcement also comes as part of a broader pattern of his continued influence on U.S. foreign policy debates, despite no longer holding office. His outspoken positions on Venezuela and other international issues have resonated with certain factions within the Republican Party and conservative media outlets.
As the U.S. navigates its role in Venezuela’s future, questions remain about the legal and diplomatic ramifications of Trump’s self-declared presidency. The international community watches closely, balancing hopes for democratic restoration with concerns over sovereignty and interventionist precedents.
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