Trump Declares Himself “Acting President of Venezuela” in Controversial Social Media Post Amid Political Turmoil

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited global controversy after posting an image on his social media platform Truth Social declaring himself the “Acting President of Venezuela” effective January 2026.

The digitally altered image resembles a Wikipedia profile listing Trump as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States and the interim leader of Venezuela, a claim that has no legal or official basis under Venezuelan or international law.

The provocative post comes amid heightened tensions following a U.S.-led military operation in Venezuela, during which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were reportedly captured and flown to New York on drug and weapons-related charges—a claim widely reported though fiercely disputed.

Despite Trump’s online assertion, real authority in Venezuela appears to rest with Delcy Rodríguez, the country’s vice president, who was sworn in as interim president by the Venezuelan Supreme Court earlier this month. Her leadership, however, is contested and has drawn strong condemnation from Maduro loyalists and international critics.

Trump has also suggested that the United States will oversee Venezuela’s political transition and manage its lucrative oil assets during the interim period, stating that Venezuelan oil revenues should benefit both Venezuelan and American citizens.

The unusual declaration has sparked intense debate internationally over issues of sovereignty, legitimacy, and the legality of U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s internal affairs.