Trump declares himself ‘acting president’ of Venezuela

US President Donald Trump has declared himself the “acting president” of Venezuela, posting a photo card to social media platform Truth Social announcing his claim.

The announcement comes days after a US military operation in Caracas on January 3, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were reportedly captured and flown to New York City.

Both face drug trafficking charges in the United States and are currently held in a federal detention facility in New York.

At least 100 people were reported killed in Venezuela during the operation. Following Maduro’s capture, the Venezuelan Supreme Court recognised Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, with the country’s military expressing support for her leadership.

Trump’s self-proclamation adds a new twist to the ongoing political and military crisis in Venezuela, raising international concern over sovereignty and regional stability.