Trump Claims Role as 'Acting President' of Venezuela Amid Tensions

In a surprising move, Donald Trump declared himself the 'acting president of Venezuela' through a social media post, following a US military operation that led to the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro. This declaration raises significant questions about US intentions regarding Venezuela's vast oil reserves, especially as the country faces severe sanctions. The Venezuelan government has condemned these actions as military aggression, demanding the release of Maduro and his wife. As tensions escalate, the implications for Venezuela's oil production and international relations remain to be seen.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 16:14 IST

Trump's Bold Declaration

On Monday, President of the United States, Donald Trump, shared a digitally modified image on social media, proclaiming himself the 'acting president of Venezuela.' The post, made on Truth Social, was captioned: 'Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent - January 2026.'

Recent Military Operations

This announcement follows a US military operation in Venezuela on January 3, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were reportedly abducted. The US government has accused Maduro of engaging in narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, charges that the Venezuelan administration vehemently denies. Caracas has labeled the US actions as 'military aggression' and is demanding the immediate release of Maduro and Flores.

Venezuelan Supreme Court's Response

In the wake of Maduro's capture, Venezuela's Supreme Court instructed Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to take on the role of acting president to ensure administrative continuity and national defense.

Trump's Intentions for Venezuela's Oil

Shortly after the military operation, Trump stated that the US would 'run' Venezuela and utilize its vast oil reserves. Venezuela possesses the largest proven oil reserves globally, yet it does not rank among the top ten oil producers.

US Control Over Venezuelan Oil

On January 7, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that the US would indefinitely oversee the sales of sanctioned Venezuelan oil. This declaration came just a day after Trump revealed plans for the US to acquire up to 50 million barrels of oil from Venezuela. Since 2019, Venezuela's oil production and exports have faced severe restrictions due to sanctions imposed during Trump's first presidential term, which intensified in December with a blockade on sanctioned oil vessels.

Historical Context

Trump previously claimed that the US aimed to reclaim oil he alleged had been stolen by Venezuela, although it remains unclear what specific oil he was referencing, given that Venezuela nationalized its oil and gas sector in the 1970s.