U.S. President Donald Trump has taken to his social media platform Truth Social to post an image declaring himself the “Acting President of Venezuela,” in a move that has sparked widespread attention and controversy. The image, styled like an official political designation, lists Trump as the acting head of Venezuela with an “Incumbent January 2026” label and appears alongside his official portrait.
Extraordinary Claim Following Venezuelan Upheaval
The post comes in the wake of dramatic developments in Venezuela, including a recent U.S.-led military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Maduro is currently facing legal proceedings in the United States on drug trafficking and weapons-related charges.
Despite Trump’s declaration, there has been no official recognition by Venezuela’s government or the international community of his self-appointment. Under Venezuelan constitutional procedures, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president after Maduro’s removal, and she continues to be recognised in that role by Venezuelan institutions.
Context and Worldwide Reaction
Analysts say Trump’s post reflects the unprecedented context following Venezuela’s political turmoil, particularly as the United States asserts influence amid shifting leadership structures. In the image Trump shared, he appears both as the President of the United States and the “Acting President of Venezuela,” a designation that has no grounding in Venezuelan law or recognised international practice.
International media outlets covering the development note that the move amplifies ongoing debates about U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs and the future governance of the oil-rich South American nation. Some commentators describe the image as symbolic of the United States’ expanded role after Maduro’s capture, while others question its legal or diplomatic validity.
Venezuela’s Interim Leadership Still in Place
Even as Trump’s post circulates widely, Delcy Rodríguez remains the constitutional interim president under Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal order following Maduro’s removal. Venezuelan authorities have not issued an official response to Trump’s claim, and global bodies have so far refrained from recognising the designation.
What This Means Going Forward
The post has triggered significant debate among political analysts, diplomats, and regional leaders, particularly as several governments and international organisations continue to monitor developments in Venezuela.
With the country’s leadership in flux and broader geopolitical implications at play, Trump’s claim adds a new and controversial chapter to the unfolding situation.
This is a developing story — OYOGist will continue to update with official responses from Venezuela, the United States, and international institutions as they emerge.
