Trump Sparks Buzz with Truth Social Post Claiming 'Acting President of Venezuela' Role

U.S. President Donald Trump drew global attention on January 11 by posting a doctored Wikipedia-style image on Truth Social that lists him as "Acting President of Venezuela," with the term "Incumbent January 2026."

The image, shared without any caption, shows Trump's official U.S. presidential portrait alongside text styling him as Venezuela's acting leader starting next year — a clear departure from his real Wikipedia page, which only recognizes his U.S. presidency.

The post follows the U.S. military's January 3 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas during Operation Absolute Resolve. Maduro now faces narcoterrorism and drug-trafficking charges in New York after pleading not guilty.

Trump declared the U.S. would "run" Venezuela and its oil assets during a transitional period. Venezuela's Supreme Court then swore in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president on January 5 to maintain continuity.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on January 11, Trump described cooperation with Rodríguez as "very good" and "smooth," praising progress on oil infrastructure and the release of political prisoners. He said he is open to meeting her and canceled further military actions due to the positive developments.

Analysts see the Truth Social post as classic Trump provocation — a symbolic jab at Rodríguez's legitimacy and a warning that full cooperation with U.S. demands on oil, security, and foreign influence is expected, or Washington could deepen its role in Venezuela's transition.

The move has drawn criticism from regional leaders and raised questions about international law and the future of U.S. involvement in the country.