Trump and Venezuela: The truth behind the acting president claim
Donald Trump. Picture: David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
Donald Trump has once again ignited global controversy after sharing a doctored image on Truth Social suggesting he is the “Acting President of Venezuela.” The post, which appeared without explanation, showed what looked like Trump’s Wikipedia profile listing him as assuming office in Venezuela on January 20, 2025, with JD Vance named as his deputy.
The claim quickly went viral, and raised a serious question worldwide:
Is Donald Trump actually running Venezuela, or is this political theater?
The short answer: No, Trump is not the acting president of Venezuela.
The long answer reveals a far more complex, and alarming, geopolitical situation.
What Trump Posted, And Why It Matters
On Sunday night, Trump shared a screenshot on Truth Social portraying himself as Venezuela’s “acting president.” The image appeared to be manipulated, with no legal basis, constitutional authority, or international recognition backing the claim.
There is no Venezuelan law, no US statute, and no international mandate that grants the US president executive authority over Venezuela.
However, the timing of the post is critical.
The US Military Operation That Changed Venezuela’s Power Structure
The post came days after a US-led Delta Force operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
According to US officials:
- The operation followed months of military buildup
- It involved elite forces and naval assets, including the USS Gerald R. Ford
- Maduro was flown to New York, where he now faces federal drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges
Maduro has denied all allegations.
Who Is Actually Running Venezuela Right Now?
Following Maduro’s removal, Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s vice president and oil minister, was formally sworn in as interim president.
Key facts:
- Rodríguez took the oath before the National Assembly
- The legislature is dominated by pro-government lawmakers
- Most opposition parties boycotted the elections
- Rodríguez’s brother, Jorge Rodríguez, heads the Assembly
She is the only recognised interim leader inside Venezuela at this time.
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So Why Did Trump Say He’s ‘In Charge’?
Trump has repeatedly made provocative statements about Venezuela in recent weeks, including:
- Saying the US would “run Venezuela temporarily”
- Promising to “get the oil flowing”
- Claiming the US is “in charge” during a transition period
These remarks triggered immediate clarification from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated:
The United States does not intend to govern Venezuela, but will enforce an oil quarantine to influence policy outcomes.
In other words, economic and military pressure, not political control.
The Oil Factor Behind the Controversy
Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, and Trump has been explicit about his interest in:
- Rebuilding oil infrastructure
- Allowing US companies early access
- Controlling exports during the transition
Trump later admitted he alerted oil companies before the military operation, a disclosure that has raised ethical and legal questions in Washington.
Why This Post Is Still Dangerous
While Trump’s claim is not legally valid, experts warn it:
- Fuels misinformation
- Escalates diplomatic tensions
- Signals US dominance rhetoric
- Complicates Venezuela’s fragile transition
The post may be political messaging, but the military action behind it is very real.
FAQ
Is Donald Trump the acting president of Venezuela?
No. There is no legal, constitutional, or international authority recognizing Trump as Venezuela’s acting president.
Why did Trump say he was acting president?
Trump shared a doctored image on Truth Social. It appears to be political messaging tied to US military and oil interests.
Who is Venezuela’s current leader?
Delcy Rodríguez is Venezuela’s interim president following Nicolás Maduro’s arrest.
Was Nicolás Maduro really captured by the US?
Yes. According to US officials, Maduro was detained during a Delta Force operation and flown to New York.
Is the US controlling Venezuela now?
No. The US is exerting military and economic pressure but does not officially govern Venezuela.
What did Marco Rubio clarify?
Rubio stated the US does not plan to run Venezuela, only to enforce an oil quarantine.
Is Trump’s Truth Social post fake?
The image appears doctored and has no factual or legal basis.
Why is oil central to this crisis?
Venezuela’s oil reserves are strategic, and Trump has openly discussed restoring oil production under US oversight.
Can a US president legally lead another country?
No. That would violate international law and national sovereignty.