Trump Declares U.S. ‘In Charge’ of Venezuela Following Maduro’s Arrest
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a forceful declaration on January 5, 2026, former President Donald Trump asserted that the United States is now “in charge” of Venezuela following the recent U.S.-led military operation that resulted in the arrest of longtime Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Speaking to reporters, Trump outlined a vision for the country’s future, emphasizing economic reconstruction and a postponement of elections until the nation recovers from years of turmoil.
Trump’s comments came amid mounting questions about the governance of Venezuela after the dramatic capture of Maduro early last Saturday. When pressed on who is currently managing the country, Trump responded, “Don’t ask me who’s in charge because I’ll give you an answer, and it’ll be very controversial,” before clarifying, “It means we’re in charge.” This statement underscores Washington’s direct involvement in the unfolding political landscape of Venezuela.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the new Venezuelan government, Trump revealed he has not personally communicated with Venezuela’s newly sworn-in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. However, he suggested that coordination between U.S. officials and the new leadership is already underway. Rodríguez, who has been a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics, addressed the media in Caracas last year, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
Trump portrayed Venezuela as a failed state ravaged by years of mismanagement, comparing its collapse to a hypothetical scenario in which the United States would have suffered a similar fate had he lost the 2024 election. “We have to do one thing in Venezuela. Bring it back. It’s a dead country right now,” Trump said. “It’s a country that, frankly, we would have been if I had lost the election. We would have been Venezuela on steroids.”
Central to Trump’s recovery plan is the revitalization of Venezuela’s oil industry, which he claimed had been stripped from American interests under previous administrations, leaving the infrastructure decayed and production crippled. The former president emphasized the importance of using American companies to rebuild this critical sector, which has historically been the backbone of Venezuela’s economy.
The U.S. military operation that led to Maduro’s capture has drawn both praise and criticism on the global stage. Supporters hail it as a decisive action restoring American strength, while critics warn of the complexities involved in foreign intervention. The operation was described by some experts as “flawless,” highlighting the precision of U.S. forces.
As the situation develops, the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense remain key players in managing the aftermath. The capture of Maduro has been characterized by some lawmakers as a reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine, reflecting a historic U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas.
Meanwhile, the United Nations continues to monitor the humanitarian and political implications of the crisis, urging all parties to prioritize peace and stability. The U.S. government’s next steps will be closely watched by international observers and Venezuelan citizens alike, as the country faces a long road to recovery.
For now, Trump’s declaration signals a new chapter in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, with Washington taking an active role in shaping the future of a nation long mired in economic hardship and political strife.
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