Trump Claims U.S. Authority in Venezuela Following Maduro’s Capture

In a historic and controversial action, President Donald Trump announced the successful capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by U.S. forces during a covert military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026.

Utilizing targeted airstrikes and a special forces raid, the operation aimed to address ongoing issues of narcoterrorism linked to the Maduro regime. Following their apprehension, Trump stated that the U.S. would govern Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of power could be established.

The military intervention has elicited strong international backlash, with leaders from Germany, Russia, China, and the European Union condemning it as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva characterized the operation as crossing an “unacceptable line,” while Mexico warned that such actions jeopardize regional stability.

In Venezuela, reactions varied widely; Caracas saw a mix of protests supporting Maduro and celebrations among those who viewed the U.S. intervention as a potential end to the country’s political crisis. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez referred to Maduro as Venezuela’s “only president” and urged unity against what she called his “kidnapping.”

Within the U.S., the legality of the operation has raised concerns, with some lawmakers questioning the lack of congressional approval for the military action. While Senator Chuck Schumer labeled it as reckless, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the measure, hinting at the potential for similar actions in other Latin American countries. This intervention represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, marking the most aggressive regime change effort since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.