U.S. Declares Temporary Control of Venezuela Following Maduro’s Ouster, Emphasizes Oil Quarantine
Updated (2 articles)
U.S. Announces Temporary Administration After Maduro’s Removal On January 4, 2026, President Donald Trump told reporters at Mar‑a‑Lago that the United States would run Venezuela “at least temporarily” after a covert operation removed Nicolás Maduro from power [1][2]. He said Washington would tap Venezuela’s oil reserves to sell abroad, framing the move as a deterrent to threats against American sovereignty. The announcement marked the most assertive U.S. regime‑change effort since the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Delcy Rodríguez Sworn In Amid State‑Media Silence Following the succession line, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as president, though Venezuelan state television did not broadcast the ceremony [1][2]. In a televised address, Rodríguez condemned the U.S. action as an “atrocity” violating international law and vowed accountability [1][2]. Analysts note the constitutional requirement for a new election within a month, but question its applicability given the extraordinary foreign intervention.
Rubio Limits U.S. Role to Sanctions, Not Day‑to‑Day Governance Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Washington would not assume daily governance responsibilities in Venezuela [1][2]. He emphasized continued enforcement of the existing oil quarantine as the primary lever to press for policy changes, including curbing drug trafficking [1][2]. Rubio left open the possibility of a future U.S. military presence but stressed the current posture centers on sanctions rather than nation‑building.
Oil Quarantine Remains Primary Leverage for Policy Changes The oil quarantine on sanctioned tankers stays in effect, with U.S. forces having already seized several vessels [1][2]. Rubio reiterated that the blockade will be used to force adjustments in Venezuela’s oil industry and to combat illicit drug flows [1][2]. Officials describe the policy as a way to shape Venezuelan governance while avoiding a full‑scale occupation.
Sources
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1.
WBNS: U.S. to run Venezuela temporarily after Maduro removal, using oil quarantine as leverage: Details Trump’s post‑operation announcement, Rubio’s limited‑governance stance, the ongoing oil quarantine, Rodríguez’s swearing‑in and the constitutional succession debate .
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2.
King5: Trump says U.S. will run Venezuela after Maduro's ouster: Highlights Trump’s declaration, Rubio’s emphasis on sanctions over day‑to‑day rule, the oil quarantine’s role, Rodríguez’s condemnation, and questions surrounding the one‑month election requirement .
Timeline
Early Jan 4, 2026 – U.S. special‑operations forces execute an audacious raid that removes Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, described as the most assertive U.S. regime‑change move since the 2003 Iraq invasion [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – President Donald Trump announces at a Mar‑a‑Lago news conference that the United States will temporarily run Venezuela and will sell its oil reserves to other nations, framing the intervention as a safeguard of American sovereignty [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. will not take day‑to‑day governance of Venezuela but will keep the existing oil quarantine in place, using it as leverage to push policy reforms and curb drug trafficking [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – The oil quarantine on sanctioned tankers remains active; U.S. forces have seized several tankers, reinforcing Washington’s leverage over Venezuela’s oil sector [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – Delcy Rodríguez is sworn in as president under the constitutional line of succession, delivers a televised address condemning the U.S. operation as an international‑law atrocity and vows that history and justice will hold the perpetrators accountable [1][2].
Jan 4, 2026 – Analysts debate whether Venezuela’s constitutional rule requiring a new election within one month of a presidential vacancy applies under the current foreign intervention, raising questions about legitimacy and the scope of any U.S. role [1][2].
Feb 2026 (by early Feb) – Venezuela is expected to hold a presidential election within a month of Maduro’s removal, as mandated by its constitution, though the timing may be contested by U.S. and opposition actors [1][2].