TL;DR
Following a US military operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's capture, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will remain under the control of senior US officials until a 'proper and judicious transition' can occur. The move, announced at a Mar-a-Lago press conference, was framed as a signal to other countries in the region.
What happened
Early Saturday morning, US forces carried out an offensive against multiple military targets in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, according to reporting. At a press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago compound, President Donald Trump said governance of Venezuela would be managed by senior US officials until what he described as a 'proper and judicious transition' could take place. Trump also posted on his Truth Social account an image he said showed Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The article frames the US action and the president’s statements as a broader message to other governments across Latin America, noting that the rest of the region was put "on notice." Details about the operation’s legal basis, casualties, timing beyond "early Saturday," or international responses are not provided in the source.
Why it matters
- Direct US control over another country's governance represents a significant shift in foreign intervention norms.
- The move could reshape geopolitical and security dynamics across Latin America.
- It raises questions about legal and diplomatic processes for transferring or exercising authority over a sovereign state.
- Regional governments and international institutions may need to reassess their responses and policies in light of the action and public statements.
Key facts
- Article published Jan. 3, 2026 by Fernanda González.
- US forces launched an offensive against various military targets in Venezuela early on a Saturday morning, per the report.
- The operation culminated in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the article states.
- President Donald Trump held a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago compound after the operation.
- Trump said Venezuela will remain under the control of senior US officials until a 'proper and judicious transition' can occur.
- A screenshot posted on Truth Social was presented showing who Trump claims is Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima.
- The article characterizes the announcement as putting the rest of Latin America 'on notice.'
What to watch next
- Responses from Latin American governments and regional organizations — not confirmed in the source.
- Diplomatic and legal follow-up from international bodies or US institutions — not confirmed in the source.
- Developments inside Venezuela regarding governance, security, and civilian conditions — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Mar-a-Lago: A private club and residence in Florida commonly used by former President Donald Trump for events and public statements.
- USS Iwo Jima: A ship name used by the US Navy; naval vessels are sometimes referenced in official statements or imagery during military operations.
- Press conference: A formal event where public officials address the media to announce actions, explain policy, or answer questions.
- Transition of power: The process by which control of a government is transferred from one authority to another.
Reader FAQ
Was Nicolás Maduro captured?
The source reports that the US operation culminated in Maduro’s capture.
Did the US launch a military operation in Venezuela?
Yes; the article says US forces attacked multiple military targets in Venezuela early on Saturday.
Is Venezuela now governed by US officials?
According to President Trump’s statement at Mar-a-Lago, governance will remain in the hands of senior US officials until a 'proper and judicious transition'; independent confirmation is not provided in the source.
How have other countries or international bodies reacted?
Not confirmed in the source.
FERNANDA GONZÁLEZ POLITICS JAN 3, 2026 5:10 PM What Happens Next in Venezuela—and the Rest of Latin America? Donald Trump says that Venezuela's governance will remain in the hands of…
Sources
- What Happens Next in Venezuela—and the Rest of Latin America?
- Maduro's capture and Trump's claim that U.S. will run …
- Live updates: Maduro, wife arrive in New York after being …
- Trump says US is going to 'run' Venezuela after capturing …
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