Trump Announces U.S. Administration of Venezuela Following Capture of Maduro and Flores
Updated (2 articles)
Nighttime Operation Captures Maduro and Flores The U.S. special forces seized President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores during a midnight raid and evacuated them by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima, then to Guantanamo Bay and a Brooklyn detention center [1][2]. The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency and denounced the operation as aggression [1]. The capture followed weekend strikes that destabilized Caracas [1].
Superseding Indictment Charges Couple With Narcoterrorism superseding indictment filed in the Southern District of New York accuses Maduro and Flores of conspiring to traffic cocaine, supply weapons, and commit narco‑terrorism against the United States [1][2]. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the charges and said the couple will face trial in federal court [1][2]. The legal move adds a criminal dimension to the military action and signals U.S. intent to pursue justice beyond the battlefield [2].
Trump Declares U.S. Will Govern Transition President Donald Trump proclaimed that the United States will “run” Venezuela until a safe, proper, and judicious transition is achieved [1][2]. He outlined a plan for U.S. oil majors to repair the shattered oil infrastructure, restart production, and funnel revenue back to the Venezuelan economy [1][2]. Trump linked the governance pledge to recent strikes targeting alleged drug‑smuggling docks [1].
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez Claims Legitimacy Venezuela’s Supreme Court swore in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, while she insisted Maduro remains the country’s only legitimate leader [1]. Rodríguez signaled willingness to cooperate with the United States but vowed to defend the government against what she called aggression [1]. The dual claim to authority underscores the contested political landscape following the capture [1].
Global Community Reacts With Condemnation and Caution Russia, China, and Cuba condemned the U.S. operation, whereas European allies urged a peaceful transition [1]. The United Nations expressed alarm over potential violations of international law and called for respect for human rights [2]. Caribbean air travel suffered after the FAA imposed restrictions, and regional governments issued mixed statements ranging from celebration in parts of Florida to protests and calls for an orderly transition across Latin America [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
BBC: Trump vows US will run Venezuela after Maduro's capture: Details the capture, evacuation, Bondi’s narco‑terrorism indictment, Trump’s oil‑industry plan, Rodríguez’s interim presidency, 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: Highlights the nighttime raid, legal charges, UN alarm, Caribbean flight disruptions, and varied regional government responses
Timeline
Jan 1, 2026 – The United States strikes a dock area in Venezuela tied to alleged drug‑boat operations, intensifying pressure on Caracas and setting the stage for a larger intervention later in the week [1].
Jan 2, 2026 (night) – U.S. forces capture President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in Caracas; they are flown out on a U.S. helicopter, placed aboard the USS Iwo Jima, and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay before heading to a Brooklyn detention center [1][2].
Jan 3, 2026 – President Donald Trump announces that the United States will govern Venezuela during a “safe, proper and judicious” transition, positioning the move as a decisive step after the nighttime capture [2][1].
Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi files a superseding indictment in the Southern District of New York, charging Maduro and Flores with conspiracy to commit narco‑terrorism, drug‑trafficking and weapons offenses, and orders them to face American justice [1][2].
Jan 3, 2026 – The United Nations issues a statement of deep alarm over the operation, urging respect for human rights and international law; regional governments issue a mix of celebrations, protests and calls for an orderly transition [2].
Jan 3, 2026 – The FAA imposes travel restrictions over Venezuelan airspace, prompting Caribbean airlines to cancel hundreds of flights and forcing passengers to seek waivers or rebookings, dramatically disrupting regional travel [2].
Jan 4, 2026 – Interim president Delcy Rodríguez, sworn in by Venezuela’s Supreme Court, declares that Maduro remains the country’s only president while signaling a willingness to cooperate with the United States; Venezuela declares a national emergency [1].
Jan 4, 2026 – Russia, China and Cuba condemn the U.S. operation as aggression, while European allies call for a peaceful transition, underscoring the sharp geopolitical split over the intervention [1].
Jan 4, 2026 – Trump outlines a plan for U.S. oil majors to repair Venezuela’s broken oil infrastructure and begin generating revenue, emphasizing the nation’s substantial share of global crude reserves and the economic upside of a U.S.-led revival [1].