Trump Claims US Has Taken Control of Venezuela After Military Operation
Trump Declares US Control Over Venezuela
Former US President Donald Trump has sparked international outrage after declaring that the United States has effectively taken control of Venezuela following a military operation that allegedly resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the operation was a success and said both Maduro and Flores were flown to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
“We’re Going to Run the Country”
Speaking later at Mar-a-Lago, Trump described the operation as “one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military strength,” adding that no US service members were killed.
He then made a statement that alarmed observers worldwide, saying the United States would govern Venezuela temporarily. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said.
For many critics, the phrase signalled something far more troubling than a military operation: an open admission of foreign control over a sovereign nation.
Oil, Power, and Economic Interests
Trump further claimed that US oil companies would play a central role in rebuilding Venezuela’s economy, arguing that American corporations would invest billions to repair infrastructure and extract oil.
He insisted the operation would not burden US taxpayers, stating that revenue from Venezuelan oil would offset any costs.
This justification has drawn sharp criticism from analysts who see it as reinforcing long-standing accusations that US foreign interventions are driven by economic interests rather than humanitarian concerns.
No Congressional Approval, No International Mandate
Trump also defended his decision not to seek approval from Congress, saying secrecy was necessary to prevent leaks. However, legal experts argue that bypassing legislative oversight raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
There has been no confirmation from international bodies recognising the operation, nor any indication that Venezuelan citizens consented to foreign military control.
Liberal Critics Warn of Dangerous Precedent
From a liberal and human rights perspective, Trump’s declaration raises urgent questions about international law, national sovereignty, and the erosion of democratic norms.
Critics argue that forcibly “running” another country undermines the principles of self-determination and risks normalising neo-colonial behaviour under the guise of security and stability.
Human rights groups have also warned that military occupations, regardless of intent, often lead to civilian suffering, suppression of dissent, and long-term instability.
Global Reaction Still Unfolding
At the time of writing, there has been no independent verification of Trump’s claims regarding Maduro’s capture, nor confirmation from Venezuelan authorities or international organisations.
What is clear, however, is that Trump’s rhetoric alone has already sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, reigniting debates about US interventionism and the limits of executive power.
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