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2d ago

U.S. Captures Maduro as Trump Vows to Run Venezuela

The White House now claims authority over Venezuela’s transition, including control of its oil industry.

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Wilman Gonzalez stands at his home, which he says was hit during US military operations to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Catia La Mar, Venezuela.
Jesus Linares, 48, stands next to a local resident as he looks at his damaged apartment building, after the U.S. launched a strike on Venezuela, capturing its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Catia La Mar, Venezuela January 4, 2026.
People queue at a store to get groceries in Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Overview

  • Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are in U.S. custody in New York on narco‑terrorism and related charges, with officials citing a superseding indictment shared by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
  • President Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will help direct an interim administration, and he refused to rule out deploying U.S. troops as forces remain at high readiness in the region.
  • Trump plans to authorize American oil companies to invest in and operate Venezuela’s energy infrastructure while maintaining an oil embargo, describing resource extraction as benefiting Venezuelans and reimbursing the United States.
  • Venezuela’s government denounced the strikes as military aggression, the Supreme Court designated Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader, and Trump warned Rodríguez would face a “very big price” if she does not comply with U.S. demands.
  • The U.N. expressed grave concerns over international law, Democratic lawmakers demanded briefings and questioned war powers, and the Senate is expected to vote on limiting use of U.S. forces against Venezuela.