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Did Donald Trump declare himself Venezuela’s acting president? Here’s the full story behind the viral post, Maduro’s capture, and global reaction.

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Is Donald Trump Venezuela’s Acting President? Viral Claim Sparks Global Debate

A shocking claim has taken social media by storm: Is Donald Trump now the acting president of Venezuela?
The controversy erupted after a post shared on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, appeared to show him listed as the “Acting President of Venezuela,” with US Vice President JD Vance named as Venezuela’s Vice President.

The post quickly went viral, triggering confusion, political debate, and international concern.

What Did Donald Trump Claim?

According to reports, US President Donald Trump shared an edited Wikipedia-style image on Truth Social, portraying himself as “Acting President of Venezuela.” The image featured Trump’s official portrait and title, alongside a surprising designation for JD Vance.

However, fact-checks revealed that Venezuela’s actual Wikipedia page does not list Trump as acting president, nor has any international authority recognised such a role.

Background: US Capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro

The viral post surfaced just days after a dramatic US military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

According to official accounts:

• US Special Forces reportedly entered Caracas by helicopter
• Maduro was seized from a secure location
• He was flown to New York with his wife
• The move followed months of sanctions, pressure, and military activity

Trump later described the operation as:

“One of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American might and competence in American history.”

Why Was Nicolas Maduro Arrested?

Maduro is facing serious criminal charges in the United States, including:

• Narco-terrorism
• Cocaine importation conspiracy
• Possession of machine guns and destructive devices

During a federal court hearing on January 5, Maduro pleaded not guilty, telling the judge:

“I was kidnapped. I’m innocent.”

US prosecutors allege that Maduro oversaw a massive cocaine-trafficking network working with:

• Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels
• Colombia’s FARC rebels
• Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang

Trump Says US Will “Run Venezuela” Temporarily

Following the military operation, Trump stated that Washington would administer Venezuela temporarily until a political transition takes place.

This declaration intensified speculation, but legal experts emphasize that temporary control does not equal presidency under international law.

JD Vance Named ‘Vice President of Venezuela’?

One of the most bizarre aspects of the viral post was the claim that US Vice President JD Vance had become Venezuela’s vice president.

No official US statement, international organisation, or Venezuelan institution has confirmed such an appointment.

International Reaction and UN Concerns

The incident has drawn sharp global reactions.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over:

• Venezuela’s political stability
• The legality of US military action
• Risks of wider regional instability

Analysts say this represents the most dramatic US intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion.

Fact Check: Is Trump Really Venezuela’s Acting President?

❌ No international recognition

❌ No legal appointment

❌ No constitutional authority

The claim appears to be symbolic or political messaging, not a legally recognised change in leadership.

Why the Claim Went Viral

Several factors fueled the spread:

• Trump’s massive social media following
• Confusion after Maduro’s arrest
• Edited images resembling Wikipedia
• Lack of immediate official clarification

What Happens Next for Venezuela?

With Maduro detained and political uncertainty rising, Venezuela faces:

• Economic instability
• International diplomatic pressure
• Possible interim governance discussions
• Heightened regional tensions

Conclusion: Political Messaging or Power Move?

While Donald Trump’s post created headlines worldwide, he is not officially Venezuela’s acting president. The claim lacks legal backing and international recognition.

Still, the episode highlights how social media, military power, and political narratives can collide — shaping global perceptions within minutes.