Donald Trump Declares Himself Acting President of Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked widespread attention and criticism after sharing an image on his social media platform, Truth Social, depicting himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” with an “Incumbent January 2026” label.

The post comes amid extraordinary developments in Venezuela, where Trump announced a U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were transported to the United States to face federal charges including drug trafficking.

Maduro’s detention has been met with sharp international reactions and legal challenges, and he continues to deny wrongdoing.

Despite Trump’s statement and his administration’s claims of influence over Venezuelan affairs, no country or official body has recognised him as Venezuela’s acting president.

#MaltaDaily