(Image source from: x.com/WhiteHouse)
United States President Donald Trump has labeled himself as the "Acting President of Venezuela" in a message on his social media site, Truth Social, sparking new discussions about America's involvement in the oil-rich country in South America. The message, posted on Sunday, included a picture of Trump with the title "Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026. " The picture also stated that he is the 45th and 47th President of the United States, mentioning that he took office on January 20, 2025. This unusual statement came only weeks after the United States conducted what it termed a "large-scale" military operation in Venezuela. In this operation, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were captured and taken to New York, where they both face charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy.
Trump has stated that the United States would manage Venezuela's government until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" occurs, suggesting that leaving a leadership gap could be detrimental to Venezuelan interests. After Maduro was removed, Venezuela's Vice President and Oil Minister, Delcy Rodriguez, was officially inaugurated last week as the Interim President of the country. Trump has also asserted that the temporary authorities would transfer around 30 to 50 million barrels of what he termed "high-quality, sanctioned oil" to the United States. He claimed that this oil would be sold at market prices, with the funds managed by the US government to benefit both nations. He mentioned that Energy Secretary Chris Wright had been directed to start the plan at once, with the oil being sent by tankers to US ports.
The Truth Social message also included threats to Cuba, with Trump indicating that Venezuela's oil supplies and financial support to the island would be withdrawn, hinting at a larger change in regional strategy. Despite this online claim, Trump is not recognized as Venezuela's Acting President on Wikipedia or other common public records. What is actually recorded is the US military action, Maduro's capture, and the contested interim leadership currently established in Caracas.
