- US President Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social claiming Venezuelan presidency
- The image resembled a Wikipedia-style page showing Trump as Venezuela’s president in 2026
- Trump was labeled as the “Acting President of Venezuela” in the posted image
US President Donald Trump posted an image on the social media platform Truth Social, portraying himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela.”
The image appeared to be an edited Wikipedia-style page that listed Trump as the incumbent Venezuelan president as of January 2026.
The US military carried out a strikes-based operation in early January that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to US statements, and President Donald Trump subsequently claimed the government of Venezuela had been toppled. Trump stated that the United States would “run” the Venezuelan government until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could be ensured.
However, Venezuela's Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, and she has been acting in that capacity amid the continuing crisis.
According to Reuters reporting, Trump warned of further military operations against Venezuela if prominent figures from Maduro's inner circle who assumed leadership did not cooperate with US demands, which have largely focused on access to Venezuelan oil reserves. Trump also said the United States would refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude as US forces continued seizing oil tankers linked to Venezuela.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-step plan for Venezuela. The plan would begin with stabilising the country after Maduro's removal, ensure US oil companies have access during a recovery phase, and ultimately oversee a transition of power. Rubio said the US now has “tremendous control and leverage” over interim authorities.
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