Trump Claims Acting Presidency of Venezuela After U.S. Arrests Maduro; Pushes $100B Oil Boom, Warns Rival Leader
Donald Trump announces he’s the “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026.” It was styled after a transformed Wikipedia page, an image posted to social media, his official portrait displayed, and his term as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) January 12: That posting by Donald Trump on Truth Social Sunday (January 11, 2026) says that he is the acting President of Venezuela's, Incumbent January 2026. It also lists him as the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
Although Trump made this announcement online, he is not listed as Venezuela’s Acting President on Wikipedia or other widely used public records.
Nighttime U.S. Raid: Maduro Captured
On January 3, 2026, U.S. personnel arrested President Nicolás Maduro and took him out of the country after an extraordinary nighttime operation. Claiming that there was a U.S. presence already established in Venezuela, President Donald Trump said hours after the attack that his government would operate Caracas, at least temporarily, and that large amounts of oil might be marketed to another country.
Maduro’s arraignment in a U.S. court over federal charges has aggravated tensions: He still disputes his detention, asserting that his capture is against international law and sovereign immunity.
$100B Oil Investment: Trump's Vision
Furthermore, the President of the United States requested large American oil companies to spend up to $100 billion in Venezuela in an effort to rapidly expand the nation's oil production.
Speaking at a White House meeting with oil executives last week, Trump said the US would decide where companies can operate in Venezuela and support the recovery of its crumbling oil sector. He lauded a deal with Venezuela’s interim administration to deliver 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States, noting deliveries could go on indefinitely. He said more supply would help reduce US energy prices.
Delcy Rodriguez Sworn In, Defies U.S.
Within Venezuela, Maduro’s second-in-command, Delcy Rodriguez took an oath as interim President. Rodriguez rejected US claims of authority, demanded Maduro's release, and labeled him as the rightful leader of the nation.
Trump also warned that Rodriguez could "pay a very big price" if she failed to cooperate with the US. Trump hinted that her consequences would be even more extreme than Maduro’s, who is being held in New York on narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges.
