US President Donald Trump declares himself acting president of Venezuela

United States President Donald Trump has described himself as the "Acting President of Venezuela" in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, triggering fresh debate over Washington's role in the oil-rich South American nation.

The post, shared on Sunday, featured Trump's official portrait with the designation "Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026". The image also listed him as the 45th and 47th President of the United States, noting that he assumed office on January 20, 2025.

The unusual claim came weeks after the United States carried out what it called a "large-scale" military



strike in Venezuela. During the operation, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and transported to New York, where both are facing indictments on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges.

Trump has since said the United States would oversee Venezuela's administration until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" is achieved, arguing that allowing another leadership vacuum could harm Venezuelan interests.

Following Maduro's removal, Venezuela's Vice President and Oil Minister, Delcy Rodriguez, was formally sworn in last week as the country's Interim President.