President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will temporarily take over the government of Venezuela. This news has shocked the world. The announcement follows a fast military mission over the weekend where U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores.+1
Speaking from his home at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Trump said the U.S. had “decapitated” the Maduro government. This move shows that the U.S. plans to be the most powerful leader in the Western Hemisphere.
Trump’s Announcement: A “Safe and Judicious” Transition
During a press conference, Trump said clearly that the United States would “run the country” for a while. He said the U.S. will stay until a “safe, proper, and judicious” new government can be set up. Trump said he wants to make sure that other countries like Russia or China do not try to take control of Venezuela while it is in trouble.+1
To show the mission was a success, Trump posted a photo on Truth Social. It showed Maduro blindfolded and in custody on a U.S. Navy ship called the USS Iwo Jima. The President said the mission was done perfectly. He noted that while a few U.S. soldiers were hurt, no Americans were killed.
ALSO READ: Washington Post Praises Trump’s Venezuela Operation as ‘Unquestionable Tactical Success’
Operation Details and the Legal Fate of the Maduros
The military attack happened late at night. Elite U.S. Navy and Delta Force teams led the mission. Reports say there were at least seven big explosions in the city of Caracas. These blasts destroyed Venezuela’s air defenses and turned off the city’s electricity before the soldiers entered Maduro’s home.
After they were caught, the legal process began immediately:
- Criminal Charges: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced new charges against the couple in New York.
- Serious Crimes: Maduro and his wife are accused of “narco-terrorism,” bringing cocaine into the U.S., and illegal weapons.
- In Custody: They were flown to New York on Saturday night. They are being held at a federal jail in Brooklyn and will see a judge very soon.
Rebuilding the Energy Sector: The Oil Strategy
A big part of Trump’s plan involves Venezuela’s oil. He said the oil industry was “stolen” from Americans years ago. Now, he is asking large U.S. oil companies, like ExxonMobil, to go back to Venezuela.+2
He wants these companies to spend billions of dollars to fix the “badly broken” oil pipes and buildings. Trump believes this will help the world’s energy market and bring “stolen oil” back to the U.S. economy. This could turn Venezuela back into a wealthy country under American help.
Context of Tensions and International Reaction
This mission is the result of years of fighting between the two countries. For months, the U.S. Navy has been stopping ships in the Caribbean to look for drugs.+1
Some countries, like Israel and Argentina, say the mission is a victory for freedom. However, Russia and China are very angry. They say the U.S. broke international laws. Inside Venezuela, the Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, has reportedly fled to Russia, but the Venezuelan courts say she is technically the person in charge while Maduro is gone.+2
FAQ: The U.S. Administration of Venezuela
How long will the U.S. run Venezuela? President Trump did not give a specific date. He said the U.S. will stay until there is a “proper and judicious” new government.+1
Who is in charge of Venezuela right now? U.S. officials like Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth are helping run things for now. In Venezuela, the courts named Delcy Rodríguez as the temporary leader, but she has left the country.
Where is Nicolás Maduro being held? He and his wife are in a federal jail in New York City. They are waiting for their trial to begin.
Will U.S. soldiers stay there for a long time? Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. is ready to stay to stop drugs and protect the oil. This means soldiers will likely stay for a while during the transition.
Disclamer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.