Trump Announces U.S. Administration of Venezuela Following Capture of Maduro and Flores
Updated (2 articles)
Nighttime operation captures Venezuela’s leaders and evacuates them to U.S. custody On the night of January 3, 2026, U.S. forces seized President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in Caracas and air‑lifted them aboard a helicopter to the amphibious ship USS Iwo Jima, later transferring them to Guantanamo Bay and a Brooklyn detention center [1][2]. The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency and denounced the action as aggression. The operation followed weekend strikes that targeted drug‑related facilities.
Trump declares U.S. will govern Venezuela until a “proper” transition President Donald Trump announced on January 4, 2026, that the United States will run Venezuela’s government until a safe and judicious transition is achieved [1][2]. He outlined a plan for U.S. oil majors to repair the country’s dilapidated oil infrastructure and restart crude production, aiming to generate revenue for the Venezuelan economy. The statement emphasized a “judicious” handover to a future civilian authority.
Maduro and Flores indicted on narco‑terrorism and weapons charges U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a superseding indictment in the Southern District of New York charging the couple with conspiracy to commit narco‑terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal weapons transfers [1][2]. The indictment alleges coordination with Colombian cartels to funnel cocaine and arms into the United States. Prosecutors said the pair will face trial in New York federal court.
Interim leadership contested amid international condemnation Venezuela’s Supreme Court swore in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, while she publicly maintained that Maduro remains the nation’s legitimate leader [1]. Russia, China, and Cuba condemned the U.S. operation, whereas European allies called for a peaceful transition [1]. The United Nations expressed alarm over potential violations of international law and urged respect for human rights [2].
Regional fallout includes travel disruptions and divergent diplomatic stances The FAA imposed restrictions that halted commercial flights over Venezuela, prompting airlines to cancel hundreds of Caribbean routes [2]. Argentina announced entry bans for officials linked to Maduro, Peru’s interim president demanded rapid order restoration, and Panama urged a democratic transition [2]. These measures reflect a sharply divided response across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sources
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1.
BBC: Trump vows US will run Venezuela after Maduro's capture – Details Trump’s pledge for U.S. governance, the evacuation of Maduro and Flores to a U.S. naval vessel and detention, Bondi’s narco‑terrorism indictment, plans for U.S. oil firms, and reactions from Russia, China, Cuba, and European allies .
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2.
AP: Trump says US will govern Venezuela during transition after night operation captures Maduro and wife – Reports the nighttime capture, Trump’s transition‑governance claim, the New York indictment, mixed global reactions including UN concerns, Caribbean flight disruptions, and varied Latin American government positions .
Timeline
Early Jan 2026 – The United States conducts a strike on a dock area linked to alleged drug boats, part of a broader naval buildup and sanctions pressure on Venezuela [1].
Jan 3, 2026 (night) – U.S. special‑operations forces capture President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in Caracas; they are evacuated by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima [2][1].
Jan 3, 2026 – President Donald Trump declares, “The United States will govern Venezuela until a safe, proper and judicious transition can be ensured,” announcing U.S. governance during the transition [2].
Jan 3, 2026 – Attorney General Pam Bondi files a superseding indictment charging Maduro and Flores with conspiracy to commit narco‑terrorism and related drug‑trafficking offenses, stating they will “face American justice” in New York [2][1].
Jan 3, 2026 – The FAA imposes Caribbean travel restrictions, cancelling hundreds of flights and halting commercial over‑flights of Venezuela [2].
Jan 3, 2026 – Argentina bans entry for Maduro‑associated officials, Peru’s interim president urges swift order restoration, and Panama calls for a democratic transition, reflecting mixed regional reactions [2].
Jan 4, 2026 – At a news conference, Trump pledges the U.S. will “run” Venezuela, outlining a plan for U.S. oil majors to repair the broken oil infrastructure and generate revenue for the country [1].
Jan 4, 2026 – Delcy Rodríguez is sworn in as interim president by Venezuela’s Supreme Court; she asserts Maduro remains the country’s only president while promising to defend the government against “aggression” [1].
Jan 4, 2026 – Maduro and Flores are moved from the USS Iwo Jima to Guantanamo Bay, then flown to New York and placed in a Brooklyn detention center [1].
Jan 4, 2026 – Russia, China, and Cuba condemn the operation; European allies urge a peaceful transition, and the United Nations expresses “deep alarm” over potential violations of international law [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 (future) – Trump states U.S. oil firms will begin repairing Venezuela’s oil fields and that the United States will remain in charge “until a proper transition is completed,” signaling an ongoing governance role [1].