US to Oversee Venezuela Following Maduro’s Capture, Trump Announces

US President Donald Trump announced on January 3, 2026, that the United States would temporarily take control of Venezuela following overnight airstrikes that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump said US forces would remain in the country until a political transition and new leadership could be safely established.

The operation, named Operation Absolute Resolve, reportedly neutralized Venezuela's military capacities and successfully captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump hailed the mission as a "stunning and effective display of American military might," adding that no nation could have achieved such results in such a short timeframe.

Trump argued that direct US oversight was necessary to stabilize Venezuela and protect its citizens during the transition. He described Maduro's rule as "both horrible and breathtaking" and said Washington would prevent any new leadership from acting against the interests of the Venezuelan people.

The president also emphasized the role of the US oil sector, stating that American companies would invest billions to repair Venezuela's damaged energy infrastructure and restore production, aiming to revive the country's economy.

Trump added that US forces were prepared to act again if resistance emerged. "We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so," he said, though he noted that contingency plans had not yet been deployed.

Trump's statements outlined a plan in which the US would oversee Venezuela's security, governance, and economic reconstruction while guiding a controlled transition of power.