Politics

President Trump reveals how long the United States is “going to run” Venezuela after Maduro capture

Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from Venezuela by the United States, which has now pledged to control the country.

Jonathan Ernst

Roddy Cons

Periodista deportivo As USA

Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe’s leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports.

Update: Jan 3rd, 2026 12:24 EST

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and their removal from Venezuela, President Donald Trump revealed the United States’ intention “to run” the South American country for the time being.

Speaking at a press conference in Palm Beach, Trump outlined the U.S.’s immediate plans for Venezuela and made it clear Washington would be taking a highly hands-on approach.

“We’re going to run Venezuela”

According to Trump, the United States is “going to run” Venezuela “until a safe, proper and judicious transition” of power takes place in Caracas.

The U.S.’s main reason for doing so, he said, was to “not take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn’t have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind.”

Who will “run” Venezuela for the United States?

Trump didn’t go into details, stating he would be running Venezuela with “a group”. He then explained “various people” were being “designated” for roles in the South American country, with names to be confirmed at a later time.

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s executive xvice president, has reportedly been receptive to the United States’ actions, although Trump made it clear she wouldn’t have a choice but to go along with what the U.S. was planning.

Will American troops be deployed to Venezuela?

Trump didn’t confirm whether U.S. troops would be deployed in Venezuela, but did say he “was not afraid of boots on the ground that we have to have.”

“We don’t mind saying it, but we’re going to make sure that that country is run properly,” he added.

Oil companies and rebuilding plans

Trump pledged to send major American oil companies into Venezuela to “fix infrastructure” by spending billions of dollars, which they will be “reimbursed” for. That will then “start making money for the country,” a move he said would help ensure Venezuelan locals become “rich, independent and safe.”

Maduro’s removal and U.S. claims

The removal of what Trump described as the “illegitimate dictator” Maduro, whom he claims is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans due to his role in allowing “lethal poison” to enter the United States, will ensure “peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela,” the president promised.