U.S. Takes Control of Venezuela After Military Operation Captures Maduro

Mon Jan 05 2026 03:36:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump announces that the U.S. will temporarily run Venezuela following the audacious military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

In a stunning turn of events, the U.S. has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a bold military operation. President Trump stated that the U.S. will take control of the country and utilize its oil reserves. The legality of the operation remains a point of contention, as questions arise over congressional authorization and the implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations amidst growing tensions.

Hours after an audacious military operation that captured leader Nicolás Maduro and removed him from the country, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily run Venezuela and exploit its vast oil reserves.

The military action marks the most significant U.S. intervention in Venezuela since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, following months of planning and pressure on Maduro.

During a news conference, Trump declared, We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. He detailed plans to repair the country’s oil infrastructure and sell its resources to other nations.

Venezuela's Vice President responded by demanding Maduro's release, labeling him the rightful leader of the nation.

After their overnight seizure from a military base, Maduro and his wife were reportedly aboard a U.S. warship headed for New York to face prosecution on drug trafficking charges, according to a Justice Department indictment.

Despite Trump's assertions of control, state TV in Venezuela was broadcasting images of pro-Maduro supporters taking to the streets in response to the capture, further complicating the situation.

Maduro’s regime has historically resisted military operations aimed at ousting him, viewing them as imperialist attacks. Early on Saturday, explosions were heard in Caracas as U.S. forces, who had trained for months for this mission, executed their plan.

The response from Congress has been varied, with some legal experts questioning the operation's legitimacy. Critics argue that the Trump administration did not secure the necessary congressional authorization for a military operation, with many calling for briefings regarding the actions taken.

While chaos has engulfed parts of Venezuela, protests erupted in both support and opposition to the development. Venezuelans in South Florida gathered to celebrate Maduro's ouster, while on the streets of Caracas, armed civilians vowed to resist the presence of U.S. forces.

The long-term effects of this operation on Venezuelan sovereignty and U.S.-Latin American relations remain uncertain as global eyes watch the unfolding scenario closely.