Photo courtesy from The White House

U.S. President Donald Trump said today that the United States will temporarily take control of Venezuela following a military operation that, according to the White House, resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Trump described the operation as swift and decisive, saying American forces targeted key military sites before taking Maduro into custody and flying him out of the country. The president said the move was necessary to prevent further instability and to pave the way for political change.

“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said.

The announcement marks one of the most dramatic U.S. actions against a Latin American leader in decades and immediately sparked global debate.

What Charges Does Maduro Face in the U.S.?

Maduro has long been wanted by U.S. authorities. He is facing multiple federal charges, including drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States. American prosecutors have accused him of leading or protecting drug networks that allegedly worked with armed groups in the region.

U.S. officials said the transfer of Maduro to American custody allows the legal process to move forward after years of stalled efforts to bring him to trial.

World Leaders React

International reaction was sharply divided. Several U.S. allies cautiously welcomed the removal of Maduro, pointing to Venezuela’s years-long economic collapse, human rights abuses, and mass migration crisis.

Others strongly condemned the move. Leaders from parts of Latin America, Europe, and Asia warned that the operation could violate international law and set a dangerous precedent for foreign intervention. Calls for an emergency meeting at the United Nations grew louder as news of the operation spread.

What’s Happening Inside Venezuela

Inside Venezuela, uncertainty remains high. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez denounced the U.S. action and called it an illegal act of aggression, insisting that Maduro remains the country’s legitimate president. The military’s loyalty and the stability of government institutions remain unclear.

Residents in Caracas reported explosions, power outages, and heavy military activity during the operation. Schools and businesses in several areas remained closed as authorities assessed the situation.

Impact on Oil and the Economy

Trump also hinted that American involvement would include rebuilding Venezuela’s oil sector, which holds the world’s largest proven crude reserves but has been crippled by mismanagement and sanctions. He suggested U.S. companies could help restore production and stabilize the economy, a statement that immediately raised questions about sovereignty and resource control.

Energy analysts say any shift in Venezuela’s oil production could affect global markets, especially as supply tensions continue worldwide.

What Happens Next

The White House said U.S. involvement in Venezuela would be temporary, though no clear timeline has been given. Legal experts, diplomats, and lawmakers are now debating the long-term consequences of the move — both for Venezuela’s future and for America’s role on the global stage.

As the situation continues to unfold, Venezuela stands at a critical crossroads, and the world is watching closely to see what comes next.