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Published : 12 Jan 2026, 01:18 PM
US President Donald Trump has shared an image portraying himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026”, triggering fresh controversy.
The image, posted on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, resembles a Wikipedia-style page and features his photograph labelled as an “official portrait, 2025”.
It also lists Trump as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
The claim has not been recognised by Wikipedia or any international authority.
The post came after a US operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were flown to New York to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and narcoterrorism.
Following the operation, Trump said the United States would “run” Venezuela’s affairs temporarily, citing security concerns and the need for an orderly transition.
He also urged major American oil companies to invest up to $100 billion to expand production and rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, saying Washington would decide which firms are allowed to operate there.
Maduro has described his removal as a “kidnapping”, while countries including China, Russia, Colombia and Spain condemned the move as a violation of international law.
Inside Venezuela, Maduro’s deputy Delcy Rodríguez took oath as interim president, rejecting US claims of authority and demanding Maduro’s release.
Trump later warned that Rodríguez could “pay a very big price” if she refused to cooperate, suggesting consequences even more severe than those faced by Maduro, who remains in US custody.
Trump also claimed credit after Venezuela announced the release of several political prisoners, calling it a result of US action and warning the freed detainees to “never forget it”.
He further highlighted an agreement to supply 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude to the United States, saying shipments could continue indefinitely to help lower domestic energy prices.
The developments have drawn swift international reaction, with multiple governments and organisations questioning the legality of the US actions and warning of rising tensions across Latin America.
