US President Donald Trump posted a digitally edited image claiming he is the “Acting President of Venezuela” amid global controversy. This came after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The manipulated image shows Trump’s official portrait with the phrase “Acting President of Venezuela” below it, styled like a Wikipedia page.
Trump shared this image on his social media platform, Truth Social. In the same post, he also joked that Marco Rubio could be the President of Cuba, adding the caption “Sounds good to me.”
Venezuelan Leadership Follows Constitutional Process
In reality, Trump’s claim has no legal basis. Venezuela’s interim leadership was established inside the country through its own legal system. The Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice and the constitution determined the next steps. A U.S. president does not have the authority to take over executive power in Venezuela.
After Maduro was removed from power, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to become the acting president to keep government institutions working and maintain continuity.
Trump’s Comments After the Capture
Trump has repeatedly spoken about his plans for Venezuela since January 3, when Maduro was captured. At a press conference, Trump said that during the transition period, the United States will “run” Venezuela to “get the oil flowing.” The next day, January 4, he declared that the United States was “in charge” of the country. These statements helped fuel debates about the extent of U.S. influence and governance in Venezuela.
Despite Trump’s remarks, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have suggested the United States does not plan to directly manage Venezuela’s internal affairs. Trump also said the U.S. will continue an “oil quarantine” strategy to shape Venezuelan policy.
Maduro Challenges His Detention
Nicolás Maduro has been arraigned in a U.S. federal court on charges including drug trafficking. He denies the charges and argues that his capture was illegal. Maduro also claims that his detention violates international law and his sovereign rights as head of state.