Trump Says US Will Run Venezuela During Transition Period

The United States will temporarily “run” Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, Donald Trump said during a press conference on Sunday. The move follows US strikes and has sparked global concern over sovereignty, legality, and regional stability.

Washington, United States

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will assume temporary control over Venezuela following a large-scale military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking at a press conference hours after the operation, Trump said the US would “run Venezuela until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” He described the mission as decisive, successful, and necessary to restore order in a country he said had been “held hostage by criminal leadership.”

Trump confirmed that no US service members were killed during the operation. He also warned that Washington remains prepared to launch a second and “much larger” strike if resistance continues.

Shortly before the press briefing, Trump posted an image he claimed showed Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima, blindfolded and wearing ear defenders. The image circulated rapidly across social media, adding to the shockwaves already rippling through global capitals.

Where It Happened

The military operation unfolded across multiple locations in Venezuela, with command coordination based in Washington, DC, and maritime support reportedly operating in the Caribbean Sea.

According to US officials, Maduro was extracted from Venezuela and transported under heavy security to US custody. Venezuela’s government later declared a national emergency, accusing Washington of “extremely serious military aggression” and violating international law.

Major cities across Venezuela remained tense, with reports of heightened military presence, disrupted communications, and emergency measures imposed nationwide.

Official Confirmation

US Attorney General officials confirmed that Nicolás Maduro was formally indicted in New York on charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. He is expected to stand trial in US federal court.

“The defendant will face the full wrath of American justice on American soil, in American courts,” the attorney general said in a statement.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking after Trump, described the operation as “a massive joint military and law enforcement raid, flawlessly executed.”

Hegseth said Maduro had been given multiple opportunities to step down peacefully. “He had his chance,” he said. “Just like Iran had their chance. He ignored it—and found out.”

Trump added that all political and military figures in Venezuela should “understand clearly” that what happened to Maduro could happen to them if they resist the transition.

Why It Matters

Trump says the US will run Venezuela marks one of the most dramatic foreign policy moves by Washington in decades. The announcement effectively places the US in a nation-building role—something Trump previously criticized during debates over Iraq and Afghanistan.

The decision raises urgent questions about international law, congressional authorization, and the limits of executive power. Several US lawmakers have already questioned whether the operation required formal approval under the Constitution.

Globally, the move risks destabilizing Latin America. Neighboring countries fear refugee flows, economic shockwaves, and potential proxy conflicts. Markets reacted nervously, with oil prices fluctuating as investors assessed risks to Venezuelan energy infrastructure.

Trump framed the intervention as a liberation effort, declaring that “the Venezuelan people are free again” and calling America a “safer” and “prouder nation” following the operation.

What Happens Next

The US administration says its goal is not permanent occupation but a managed transition toward new leadership in Venezuela. Officials hinted at an interim governing framework backed by international observers, though details remain scarce.

Trump warned that the US military stands ready to escalate if instability grows or if armed factions attempt to reclaim power. “We are ready,” he said, emphasizing deterrence over diplomacy.

Legal proceedings against Maduro will now move forward in New York, potentially becoming one of the most high-profile international criminal trials in US history.

Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure is expected to intensify at the United Nations, where Venezuela’s allies are likely to demand emergency sessions and condemn US actions.

Conclusion

Trump says the US will run Venezuela until a safe transition can take place, signaling a historic and controversial shift in American foreign policy. Supporters see decisive action against an authoritarian leader; critics warn of overreach and long-term consequences.

As Venezuela enters an uncertain chapter, the world watches closely to see whether this intervention leads to stability—or opens a new era of geopolitical tension in the region.