U.S. Faces Uncertain Path After Seizing Control of Venezuela Post-Maduro
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has thrust the United States into a complex and precarious position, as President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could be established. While the swift removal of Maduro was hailed by some as a strategic victory, experts caution that the real challenge lies ahead: governing a deeply fractured nation with no clear framework for post-conflict administration.
At a press conference held at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump outlined his administration’s intent to oversee Venezuela’s governance, emphasizing that members of his national security team would manage the effort and did not dismiss the possibility of deploying “boots on the ground.” Speaking later aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated, “We’re going to run it, fix it.” This bold approach reflects a broader strategic imperative underscored in the December 2025 National Security Strategy, which includes a so-called “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine. This policy aims to prevent external powers such as China, Russia, and Iran from gaining influence over critical assets in the Western Hemisphere, including Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
However, the operational realities on the ground complicate this vision. Venezuela’s constitutionally recognized vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has already been sworn in domestically as interim president following Maduro’s ouster, with backing from the country’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice and loyalist institutions. The United States, however, refuses to recognize Rodríguez’s legitimacy, creating a governance vacuum. Ministries, security forces, and regional authorities largely remain staffed by officials loyal to the previous regime, leaving Washington without effective control over day-to-day administration.
Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis (ret.), a former Defense Department adviser who participated in planning the Iraq invasion, warned that this disconnect between declared authority and actual control is a common pitfall in post-conflict operations. “We’ve been here before,” he said, referencing the costly and prolonged U.S. involvement in Iraq, where a lack of a clear governance framework led to years of instability and entanglement. Maginnis emphasized that the U.S. must learn from past mistakes to avoid a similar quagmire in Venezuela.
The situation also raises legal and diplomatic questions. While the U.S. views the Maduro regime as illegitimate, the presence of a rival government claiming authority complicates international recognition and the practical exercise of power. The U.S. Department of State has condemned Maduro’s government but has yet to outline a comprehensive plan for governance or reconstruction.
Moreover, the operation’s implications extend beyond Venezuela’s borders. The country’s strategic location and resources have long made it a focal point for narcotics trafficking and corruption, issues that the U.S. administration seeks to address as part of its broader hemispheric security goals. The Central Intelligence Agency and other agencies are reportedly involved in ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and counter malign foreign influence.
Congressional oversight and public opinion will also play critical roles as the administration moves forward. Some lawmakers have expressed concern over the lack of clear congressional authorization for the Maduro capture and the ensuing governance plans. The U.S. Congress may demand detailed briefings and debate over the scope and duration of U.S. involvement.
As the United States steps into what could be an extended role in Venezuela, experts urge caution and strategic clarity. The ease of toppling Maduro contrasts sharply with the daunting task of nation-building in a country marked by political fragmentation, economic collapse, and social unrest. Without a well-defined governance framework, the U.S. risks becoming mired in a protracted and costly engagement that could shape the Western Hemisphere’s geopolitical landscape for years to come.
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