In a startling social media post over the weekend,Donald Trumpshared a stylized image onTruth Sociallabelling himself“Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026”alongside his role as US President. This unusual online declaration comes amid heightened tensions following a controversial US military operation in Venezuela earlier this month.
The military action — dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve” — allegedly involved alarge-scale US strike in Venezuelathat resulted in the arrest and removal of Venezuelan PresidentNicolás Maduroand his wife,Cilia Flores, who were transported to the United States to facenarco-terrorism and other chargesin New York. While the US administration insists the operation is justified as law enforcement and strategic intervention, many legal experts and world leaders have condemned it as a breach of international law.
Despite Trump’s online declaration,Trump is not officially recognised as Venezuela’s acting presidentin public records or by international authorities. In fact, Venezuela’s constitutional order sawDelcy Rodríguezsworn in by the country’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice as the interim president after Maduro’s removal — a move that itself has been criticised and contested.
Trump’s post also reflects his broader policy stance: the US plans tooversee parts of Venezuela’s administration and oil resourcesduring a transitional period. However, this has fueled global concern about sovereignty, regional stability, and the legality of US actions.
The claim underscoresrising US–Venezuela tensions, with Washington asserting direct influence over Caracas’ governance.
It has drawn criticism from international law experts and many governments concerned about theviolation of national sovereignty.
Venezuela’s existing interim leadership disputes the legitimacy of Trump’s declaration.
