Trump declares himself interim president of Venezuela after Maduro's arrest and extradition
In a dramatic development that shifts the balance of power in Latin America, US President Donald Trump on Saturday that the United States would take direct and temporary control of Venezuela , following a US military operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
This announcement put an end to years of political and diplomatic tension between Washington and Caracas, as Trump confirmed in a press conference that the main objective now is to "ensure a safe, sound, and rational political transition" of power, stressing that the US administration will not allow a security or political vacuum that reproduces the previous regime.
Details of the operation and Maduro's fate
In a move confirming the operation's success, the US president posted the first photo of Nicolás Maduro after his capture on his "Truth Social" platform, stating that the ousted Venezuelan president was currently aboard the USS Iwo Jima. This step dispelled any remaining doubts about Maduro's whereabouts after conflicting reports in the initial hours following the operation.
Trump told Fox News in a firm tone: "We cannot risk letting someone else take his place and continue his path," in a clear indication of Washington's determination to dismantle the entire leadership structure of the Venezuelan regime and prevent any potential successor from taking power in the same manner as before.
Threat of a second wave and the context of the conflict
The US president did not merely announce control, but also issued a strongly worded warning, stressing that US forces are ready to carry out a "second wave" of military strikes that would be "much larger" if the need arises or if US forces encounter any resistance that hinders the political transition.
This event culminates years of maximum pressure exerted by the United States on the Maduro regime, including crippling economic sanctions and formal indictments by the US Department of Justice against Maduro and senior officials for involvement in "narco-terrorism" and corruption. Washington has long considered Maduro's continued rule a threat to regional stability and an obstacle to democracy, particularly in light of the economic and humanitarian crises that have driven millions of Venezuelans to emigrate.
The future of Venezuela and the impact of the event
Observers believe that Washington's temporary assumption of control over Venezuela will pave the way for a comprehensive restructuring of institutions in the oil-rich nation. This development is expected to have major repercussions for global energy markets, given Venezuela's vast oil reserves, which have been subject to stringent sanctions.
Trump concluded his remarks by asserting that the United States "will not be intimidated" and that it is proceeding with its plan to ensure the return of democracy to Caracas, thus ending a long era of rule by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela under Maduro's leadership.
