Trump declares himself 'Acting president of Venezuela'
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has declared himself the "Acting President of Venezuela" on social media. Styled like a Wikipedia page, the edited image has Trump's official portrait and then the designation "Acting President of Venezuela," "Incumbent January 2026." The announcement comes days after a US military intervention in the South American country that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is now in US custody facing drug trafficking charges.
Interim leadership
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assumes interim presidency
In the wake of Maduro's capture, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as the interim president of Venezuela. This was done under Venezuelan law by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. While the court said Rodríguez would assume "the office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the Nation," she has demanded that the US free Maduro and called him the country's rightful leader.
Oil control
Trump hints at US control over Venezuela's oil
After Maduro's capture on January 3, Trump hinted at the US taking control of Venezuela's oil resources. He said during a press conference that "the United States will 'run' Venezuela in order to 'get the oil flowing.'" Last week, the White House said the US will take charge of the sales of sanctioned Venezuelan oil "indefinitely," as it prepares to ease restrictions on Venezuelan crude in global markets.
Legal proceedings
50 million barrels of oil headed to US: Trump
And on Sunday, Trump claimed 50 million barrels of oil were on their way to the US. "She (Rodríguez) asked us if we could take 50 million barrels of oil, and I said yes, we can; it is worth $4.2 billion and it is on its way right now to the United States..." Trump said when asked about his meeting with the acting president of Venezuela. He also said that the US and Venezuela were "working along very well."