Trump Proclaims U.S. Will 'Run' Venezuela After Maduro's Capture

Mon Jan 05 2026 11:26:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a bold statement following military strikes that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Donald Trump asserts that the U.S. will oversee the nation’s operations and revitalize its oil infrastructure.

In a dramatic shift in Venezuela's leadership, U.S. President Donald Trump claims the United States will 'run' the country after the military capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Trump emphasizes plans for U.S. oil companies to revitalize Venezuela's oil infrastructure, which he describes as broken. Maduro, along with his wife, has been taken into custody by U.S. forces and faces serious charges in American courts. The U.S. military actions have sparked outrage among Venezuela's allies, raising questions about international law and future governance in the country.

The US will 'run' Venezuela until a 'safe, proper and judicious transition' can be ensured, Donald Trump has said, after US strikes led to the capture of the country's President Nicolas Maduro.

US oil companies would also fix Venezuela's 'broken infrastructure' and 'start making money for the country,' the US president said.

The US launched strikes on Venezuela on Saturday morning, capturing Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores.

In response, Venezuela announced a state of national emergency and condemned the 'military aggression.' The country’s vice president insists that Maduro remains its only legitimate leader.

Maduro and Flores were taken by US helicopter from Caracas to the USS Iwo Jima and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay, before being flown to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The couple faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, stemming from accusations that involve drugs and illegal weapons. Asserting that they will 'face the full wrath of American justice,' US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that this move signifies a major crackdown on drug trafficking.

Trump emphasized that his administration is prepared to invest heavily in restoring Venezuela’s oil sector, which has historically been a key economic player for the nation. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Venezuela holds some 303 billion barrels of crude oil, making it one of the world's top oil reserves.

Despite these optimistic projections, concerns linger over the U.S.'s approach and the volatile implications for Venezuelan sovereignty. Trump's remark that a team will ensure proper governance raises questions regarding who will participate in this effort.

Venezuela's allies, including Russia and China, have condemned the US actions as an armed aggression and expressed deep concern over violations of international law.

As the international community watches closely, the future of Venezuelan governance remains uncertain amidst this unprecedented military intervention.