Trump says US will now take over running Venezuela
US President Donald Trump holds a press conference following a US strike on Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Jan. 3, 2026. REUTERS
President Trump announced that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was captured during a U.S. military operation carried out overnight, saying the United States will temporarily oversee the country during a transition period.
Speaking at a press conference from his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump said U.S. forces detained Maduro “in the dead of night” as part of what he described as a highly coordinated and successful mission.
“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. would manage the process during the interim period.
The president praised the operation as “one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” He said no American service members were killed and no U.S. equipment was lost.
“It was dark. The lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have,” Trump said. “It was dark. And it was deadly.”
U.S. special forces also detained Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores. The couple is being transported to New York City, where they are expected to face legal proceedings. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the two have been indicted in the Southern District of New York, citing a 2020 indictment related to drug conspiracy and other charges.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi said in a post on X.
The operation took place overnight, with residents in Caracas reporting at least seven explosions. Targets reportedly included military bases and airports across the capital.
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