Trump Sparks Global Uproar With “Acting President Of Venezuela” Social Media Post

WASHINGTON D.C. — In a move that has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles, President Donald Trump shared a digitally altered image on Truth Social on Sunday, January 11, 2026, declaring himself the “Acting President of Venezuela.” The post features an engineered screenshot of a Wikipedia page where Trump’s official portrait is displayed above the title of the Venezuelan executive office.

The provocative post comes just days after a clandestine U.S. operation resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3—an event that has plunged the Western Hemisphere into a period of extreme geopolitical volatility.

1. Diplomatic “Joke” or Policy Shift?

Trump’s social media activity extended beyond Venezuela. He also appeared to endorse a post suggesting that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio be named the “President of Cuba,” to which Trump replied, “Sounds good to me.”

While the White House has historically used the term “Acting President” to recognize opposition leaders like Juan Guaidó in the past, Trump’s literal claim of holding the office himself has raised questions about his administration’s long-term intentions for the oil-rich nation.

• The “Oil Flow” Goal: During a recent press conference, Trump stated that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela during the transition specifically to “get the oil flowing” and stabilize global energy prices.
• The “In Charge” Declaration: On January 4, Trump went a step further, asserting that the United States was now “in charge” of the country.

2. The Legal Reality: Delcy Rodríguez Steps In

Despite Trump’s online claims, the Venezuelan government has followed a domestic constitutional succession process.

• The Succession: The Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice (STJ) has officially ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president.
• Constitutional Continuity: Caracas maintains that under the Venezuelan constitution, executive power remains within their borders, regardless of the physical detention of Nicolas Maduro.
• U.S. Military Presence: While U.S. forces remain in the region to enforce an “oil quarantine,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified on Sunday that the U.S. does not intend to directly administer the Venezuelan government as a colonial entity.

3. Maduro’s Legal Battle in U.S. Courts

As Trump posts memes online, Nicolas Maduro is preparing for a landmark legal battle on U.S. soil.

• Arraignment: Maduro has been arraigned on federal narco-terrorism and corruption charges.
• Defense Strategy: Maduro’s legal team continues to argue that his capture was an act of “international kidnapping” and that as a sitting head of state, he is protected by sovereign immunity.
• Tensions with Allies: The capture has drawn stern warnings from China and Russia, prompting Trump to issue a blunt directive to “keep away from the Americas.”

4. Key Events Since Maduro’s Capture