Key Points:
- Trump declares US will control Venezuela until “safe transfer of power”
- Maduro detained aboard US warship, faces drug trafficking charges
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Venezuelan Vice President
- Venezuelan state TV shows Maduro supporters protesting in Caracas
- International community largely silent as situation develops
The future of the South American nation of Venezuela hangs in the balance after the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to the United States aboard a US warship. Following this dramatic military operation, US President Donald Trump held a press conference. Trump explicitly declared that the United States would take over the administration of Venezuela until a safe and proper transfer of power is ensured. This statement could trigger a major upheaval in international politics, as it involves the direct control of the administration of a sovereign nation.
At a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, Trump stated that the US would take control of Venezuela until a “safe, proper, and prudent transfer of power” takes place. He claimed that a US presence was already established, although there were no immediate indications of how the US administration had taken control on the ground. Trump also claimed that his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had spoken with the Venezuelan Vice President about “making the country great again.” The announcement came just hours after US special forces reportedly conducted a precision operation in Caracas, apprehending Maduro and several key aides without casualties.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been taken to the United States aboard a US warship, where he will face criminal charges. The US has accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and other serious crimes, charges that Maduro has consistently denied. This action by the US military, following months of pressure and sanctions, is being seen as an attempt to gain control over the oil-rich nation of Venezuela. Legal experts suggest Maduro will face trial in a federal court in Miami, where prosecutors have prepared a comprehensive case linking him to narco-terrorism operations that allegedly funneled tons of cocaine into the United States.
President Donald Trump described the operation as “extremely successful” and said it served as a warning to anyone who threatens American sovereignty or puts American lives at risk. He also stated that the purpose of the operation was to “bring the dictator Maduro to justice.” This statement signals a clear assertion of US policy. The operation marks a significant escalation from the previous administration’s approach, which relied primarily on economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Military analysts note that the direct intervention sets a new precedent for US policy toward authoritarian regimes in the Western Hemisphere.
The Venezuelan government has not yet issued any official response to Trump’s sweeping claims. However, Venezuelan state television has shown small groups of Maduro supporters protesting in Caracas, suggesting that internal tensions are escalating in the country. This uncertainty poses serious challenges for Venezuela’s future. Opposition leaders, who have long sought Maduro’s removal, appear caught off guard by the direct US intervention. Juan Guaidó, previously recognized by the US as interim president, has called for calm and urged Venezuelans to remain peaceful during this transition period.
International reaction remains muted as foreign ministries worldwide scramble to formulate responses. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency session for Monday morning, while the Organization of American States called for an immediate meeting of foreign ministers. China and Russia, both major creditors to Venezuela, have condemned the operation as a violation of international law and UN charter principles. European Union officials have expressed concern about the humanitarian implications and called for restraint from all parties involved.
The situation on the ground in Venezuela remains fluid. US military officials have established a temporary command center at the US embassy in Caracas, while Venezuelan military units show signs of division. Some generals have pledged loyalty to the constitution and called for a peaceful transition, while others remain loyal to the detained president. Oil markets reacted sharply to the news, with crude prices jumping 8 percent on concerns about supply disruptions from Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
