Trump Declares U.S. Control After Detaining Maduro, Rodriguez Named Interim President
Updated (2 articles)
U.S. Special Forces Detain Maduro and Flores in Caracas Raid The pre‑dawn operation on January 5, 2026 seized President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores from their Caracas home, moved them onto the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and then to New York for processing [1]. The raid followed weeks of U.S. naval pressure and effectively removed Maduro from power over the weekend [1]. Authorities reported streets in Caracas were unusually quiet as residents limited outings to essential supplies [1].
Delcy Rodríguez Assumes Acting Presidency and Invites Cooperation Following the detention, Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro loyalist, took over the powers of acting president on Sunday, January 5 [1][2]. She initially condemned the U.S. action but later extended an invitation to Washington to cooperate on a new agenda for Venezuela [1]. Rodríguez now faces the challenge of managing armed factions while navigating U.S. expectations for stability [2].
Trump Announces United States Is Running Venezuela Through Rodríguez President Donald Trump publicly declared that the United States would be “in charge” of Venezuela, asserting control through Rodríguez’s interim government [1][2]. He framed the move as a transition toward a U.S.–backed administration focused on stability and oil‑sector recovery [1]. The proclamation sparked controversy over sovereignty and the scope of executive authority [2].
Congressional Debate and Oil‑Sector Risks Shape Trump’s Interim‑Government Plan Democrats in Congress demanded formal authorization, labeling the raid an act of war, while many Republicans rallied behind Trump’s foreign‑policy gamble [2]. Republican lawmakers such as Rubio and Cotton emphasized securing oil revenues and pressuring remaining regime figures to comply [2]. The administration dismissed opposition leader María Corina Machado, signaling a shift from supporting democratic opposition to relying on regime remnants, a strategy analysts warn could destabilize the country if Rodríguez cannot command all armed actors [2].
Sources
-
1.
CNN: Trump asserts US control of Venezuela after Maduro detention: Details the January 5 raid, Maduro’s capture, Rodriguez’s interim presidency, Trump’s claim of U.S. control, and the quiet streets and oil‑sector challenges .
-
2.
CNN: Trump’s plan to run Venezuela via regime remnants carries high risks: Explores the White House strategy of using Rodriguez, congressional pushback, oil‑focused objectives, dismissal of Machado, and analysts’ warnings of potential instability .
Timeline
2025 – The United States conducts months‑long diplomatic and military pressure on Venezuela, including a naval show of force that isolates Caracas and sets the stage for a direct operation [1][2].
Jan 5, 2026 (pre‑dawn) – U.S. special forces raid the Caracas residence of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, detaining both and transporting them first to the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and then to New York for processing [1].
Jan 5, 2026 (morning) – President Donald Trump declares, “The United States is in charge of Venezuela during this transition,” signaling an unprecedented claim of authority over a sovereign nation [1][2].
Jan 5, 2026 (midday) – Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro loyalist, assumes the powers of acting president, initially condemning the U.S. raid but later inviting cooperation to shape a new agenda for the country [1][2].
Jan 5, 2026 (afternoon) – The White House outlines a plan to build an interim Venezuelan government focused on administrative stability and reviving the oil sector, prioritizing “stability and oil” over an immediate push for democratic elections [1].
Jan 5, 2026 (evening) – Caracas streets fall quiet as residents limit outings to basic supplies; regime supporters appear on state media while opposition sympathizers celebrate privately, reflecting a city in limbo [1].
Jan 5, 2026 (evening) – Analysts note Venezuela’s oil reserves remain the world’s largest proven stock, but investors stay wary because pipelines are decades old and billions of dollars are needed to restore peak production [1].
Jan 5, 2026 (later) – The U.S. strategy shifts from outright regime change to “decapitation” and coercion of Maduro’s lieutenants, relying on Rodríguez and other regime remnants to govern under Washington’s demands [2].
Jan 5, 2026 (later) – Trump proclaims, “The United States is running Venezuela through Rodríguez,” underscoring a bold assertion of influence and a new operational model for U.S. foreign policy [2].
Jan 5, 2026 (later) – Democrats in Congress demand a formal authorization for the operation, warning it resembles an act of war, while many Republicans publicly back the president’s gamble [2].
Jan 5, 2026 (later) – Trump dismisses opposition leader María Corina Machado, signaling a pragmatic shift away from supporting the democratic opposition toward reliance on regime remnants [2].
2026 (upcoming) – Maduro is scheduled to appear in a U.S. court, while U.S. officials work to formalize an interim Venezuelan administration that can manage oil revenues and maintain security amid competing armed groups [1][2].
2026 (future) – U.S. legislators are expected to debate and possibly pass a congressional authorization that would legitimize the ongoing intervention and define the scope of American authority in Venezuela [2].