Trump claims he is Venezuela’s ‘acting president’
US President Donald Trump has stirred up quite a storm around the globe after sharing a post on Truth Social, claiming he was the “Acting President of Venezuela” as of January 2026.
The post featured an image that looked like a Wikipedia entry, showcasing Trump alongside his titles as US president, complete with his official portrait and details about his supposed time in office.
This came just days after reports surfaced that US forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, transporting them to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
The post quickly drew a wave of criticism online, with many questioning Trump’s motives and poking fun at his claim.
Facebook user @JayonBeers quipped, “Can we please ship him down there permanently?” while @RonLumaguip added, “He has been acting in the US too.” Another user, @MarcelMarvez, sarcastically chimed in with, “My president.”
In the wake of Maduro’s capture, the Trump administration announced that the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela to ensure a smooth transition and help rebuild the country’s oil infrastructure.
Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, was reportedly stepping in as interim president amid alleged US pressure regarding access to Venezuelan resources.
Rodríguez has openly rejected US authority, demanding Maduro’s release, while Venezuelan state media continues to depict him as the legitimate leader of the country.
These events have sparked international outrage, with countries like China, Russia, Colombia, and Spain condemning the actions of the US.
No international organization or official platform, including Wikipedia, recognizes Trump’s self-proclaimed title, further supporting the idea that the post was more of a provocation than a genuine claim to power.
Domestically, some MAGA supporters have hailed the post as a shining example of strong leadership, with reports suggesting that Trump has tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio with overseeing governance efforts alongside Rodríguez.
On the other hand, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is reportedly gearing up to meet with Trump as she advocates for US-supported elections in an upcoming general vote.
Analysts caution that Trump’s actions signal a bold foreign policy strategy focused on regime change and seizing control of oil resources. With cooperation seemingly happening under duress, concerns about unrest are escalating in Caracas.
Trump claims he is Venezuela’s ‘acting president’
