Trump Claims U.S. Will 'Run Venezuela' Following Maduro's Capture: What This Means

A Bold Move by the U.S.

The recent actions taken by U.S. forces against Venezuela have sent shockwaves throughout both domestic and global arenas. President Trump's declaration that the U.S. will effectively 'run the country' raises a plethora of questions about foreign intervention and the long-term implications for Venezuelans and neighboring states alike.

Capture and Indictment

On January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces executed a swift operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's controversial president. This striking maneuver not only removed him from power but also resulted in significant chaos within the country, with reports indicating over 40 casualties, including both military personnel and civilians.

“The first thing on my mind isn't, 'We are free and I'm so happy,'” stated José, a Venezuelan entrepreneur. “It is, 'What will happen tomorrow?' Maduro is just one part of a much bigger machine.”

Mixed Reactions in Venezuela

Maduro's loyalists maintained a firm stance in the face of this international upheaval. Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president, publicly asserted her continued support for him, declaring, “There is only one president in this country.” Her defiance reinforced the complexities of U.S. intervention, especially within a nation already fraught with internal divisions.

The Global Implications

The United States has long been criticized for its interventions in foreign nations, and this latest operation is no exception. Critics have cautioned against the dangers of escalating involvement in a region historically marred by instability. “Nobody wants a quagmire,” warns Dave Carney, a Republican strategist.

Market Repercussions

As the uncertainty unfolds, oil markets respond nervously. Trump hinted at plans to utilize Venezuela's vast oil reserves for American benefit. “We're going to rebuild the oil infrastructure,” he stated. Analysts worry this could evoke memories of past U.S. interventions that promised stabilization but resulted in chaos and loss of life.

Protests and Support

In the U.S., reactions were just as varied. Protests erupted across cities against the military operation, while some Venezuelans in the U.S. celebrated Maduro's removal as a long-awaited victory.

• “This is a bittersweet moment,” remarked Alejandro Marcano Santelli, a Venezuelan exile living in Miami. “While I feel joy, I worry about the chaos that might ensue back home.”

A Cautionary Tale

Trump's declaration of a military presence in Venezuela for an indefinite period raises significant concerns, paralleling past conflicts that led to prolonged U.S. involvement. Historical analogies to Iraq and Afghanistan are already being drawn, showcasing the potential risks of such a bold geopolitical gamble.

The Path Forward

As the dust settles from this operation, the world watches closely. The ramifications of Trump's decisions will impact not just Venezuela but the broader geopolitical fabric of Latin America. With tensions escalating and diverse sentiments across various factions, only time will tell what the new landscape in Venezuela will look like.

What is clear is that the human impact of these market decisions and geopolitical strategies cannot be overstated. History teaches us that the consequences of intervention can reverberate far beyond the initial military actions.