Washington: United States President Donald Trump said the US would take responsibility for Venezuela’s administration for a limited period after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was taken into US custody following a military operation, triggering global reactions and deep uncertainty inside Venezuela.
According to US officials, Maduro was captured during an operation carried out inside Venezuela and later flown to the United States, where he is expected to face federal charges linked to drug trafficking and organised crime. Trump said the action was aimed at restoring order, stopping narcotics flows and helping Venezuelans move towards a new political future.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the US would “run the country” until Venezuela becomes stable enough for a transition. He added that Washington would not allow chaos to continue in a nation suffering from years of economic collapse, shortages and mass migration.
However, senior US officials later sought to soften the remarks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States does not intend to govern Venezuela permanently and has no plans to manage its day to day administration. He said Washington’s goal is to support a transition process that would eventually lead to democratic elections and civilian rule by Venezuelans themselves.
Inside Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez rejected the US action, calling it illegal and a violation of the country’s sovereignty. She said Venezuelan institutions remain in place and accused Washington of kidnapping the president. The government has urged supporters to remain calm while denouncing what it described as foreign aggression.
On the streets of Caracas, reactions have been mixed. Some residents expressed hope that Maduro’s removal could bring change after years of hardship, while others fear instability, violence and uncertainty about who is in charge.
The move has drawn strong reactions abroad. China criticised the United States and called for respect for Venezuela’s independence. Several Latin American governments expressed concern about the precedent set by the operation. Discussions are expected at the United Nations, where questions are being raised about international law and the legality of capturing a sitting head of state.
The situation has also renewed focus on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, with analysts warning that control over energy resources could become a major point of tension in the weeks ahead.
As diplomatic pressure builds and legal proceedings against Maduro move forward in the United States, Venezuela faces an uncertain path, with its political future now tied closely to decisions made far beyond its borders.