Trump Declares U.S. Will Temporarily Govern Venezuela Following Maduro’s Capture
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a dramatic announcement on January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump declared that the United States will temporarily assume control of Venezuela following a high-stakes military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Speaking at a news conference shortly after U.S. special forces bombed Caracas and seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, Trump emphasized that this intervention is intended to be a temporary measure aimed at stabilizing the country and facilitating a peaceful transition of power.
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said, underscoring the U.S. commitment to restoring peace, liberty, and justice for Venezuelans both inside the country and among the diaspora who have fled to the United States. The president framed the U.S. role as essential to preventing any destabilizing forces from filling the power vacuum prematurely.
The operation, described by Trump and military analysts as “flawless” and “highly precise,” involved U.S. special forces conducting a nighttime strike on Caracas. Maduro and his wife were captured and transported to New York to face drug trafficking charges, a move that underscores the administration’s focus on dismantling what officials have called a “global narcotics network” led by Maduro’s regime. The Department of Homeland Security has previously labeled Maduro as the world’s largest drug dealer, highlighting the international scope of his illicit activities.
Trump also indicated that the U.S. is prepared to escalate military involvement if necessary. “We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack,” he warned, confirming that American forces remain strategically positioned in the region. When pressed about the possibility of a sustained troop presence, Trump did not rule it out, stating, “They always say boots on the ground — so we’re not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to.” This signals a significant shift in U.S. military engagement in South America, a region where direct intervention has historically been met with caution.
Beyond security concerns, the president outlined plans for economic reconstruction, particularly focusing on Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. “We’re going to rebuild the oil infrastructure, which will cost billions of dollars. It’ll be paid for by the oil companies directly … and we’re going to get the oil flowing the way it should be,” Trump said. This approach aims to revive Venezuela’s crippled economy and restore its position as a key energy supplier, a strategy that aligns with broader U.S. energy and foreign policy objectives.
Congressional reactions have been mixed. Some GOP lawmakers praised the operation as a “day of justice” and a reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine, while others expressed concern about the lack of prior notification to Congress. The U.S. Congress now faces questions about oversight and the future direction of American involvement in Venezuela.
Experts note that the U.S. faces a complex challenge in governing Venezuela, a country with a long history of political turmoil and economic crisis. Analysts from the U.S. Department of State emphasize the importance of a “safe, proper and judicious transition” to avoid further instability. The Hoover Institution research fellow described the removal of Maduro as a “prime example of America at her best,” but cautioned that rebuilding trust and institutions will require sustained effort.
As the U.S. begins this unprecedented role, the eyes of the world remain fixed on Caracas. The operation marks a bold assertion of American power in the Western Hemisphere, with implications for regional geopolitics and the future of Venezuelan democracy. The administration’s next steps will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike, as the U.S. navigates the delicate balance between intervention and sovereignty.
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