Mar-a-Lago, Florida — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will temporarily run Venezuela following what Washington describes as the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, pending what he termed a “peaceful, safe and judicious transition of power.”
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday from his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said the United States would assume administrative control of the South American nation until a new leadership framework is established.
“We are going to run the country until such time that we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said, adding that revenue from Venezuela’s oil sales would be used to fund the interim administration.
According to U.S. officials, President Maduro and his wife are currently aboard a U.S. warship en route to New York, where they are expected to face multiple indictments, including charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy.
When pressed by reporters on who would oversee Venezuela during the transition period, President Trump indicated that a senior U.S. team would be deployed to manage the process.
He named Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as key figures who would be “working with the people of Venezuela to make sure that we have Venezuela right.”
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, disclosed that the mission—dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve”—had been under preparation for several months.
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He said more than 150 aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters and bombers, were deployed from at least 20 different locations after Trump authorized the operation late Friday night. The mission reportedly involved service members from multiple branches of the U.S. military.
The operation has drawn widespread international condemnation, particularly over the lack of congressional notification. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Congress was not informed in advance.
“This was not the kind of mission that you can do congressional notification on,” Rubio said, defending the administration’s actions.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife,Captured by U.S. Delta Team
The developments have triggered shockwaves across Latin America and beyond, with critics raising concerns over sovereignty, international law and the potential for regional instability. Several governments are expected to call for emergency meetings at the United Nations in response to the unfolding situation.
Prime Africa Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as more information becomes available.
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