By SUNTV Global Channel | January 12, 2026
A fresh wave of international controversy has erupted after U.S. President Donald Trump shared a viral post declaring himself the “Acting President of Venezuela”, a move that has intensified global debate over Washington’s expanding role in the South American nation.
The post, shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform, featured an image portraying him with the title, triggering confusion and sharp reactions across diplomatic and political circles worldwide.
The development comes just days after President Trump signed an Executive Order declaring a national emergency aimed at protecting Venezuelan oil revenues currently held in U.S. Treasury accounts.
Oil Revenues Frozen Under New U.S. Order
According to the White House, the Executive Order blocks any form of legal attachment, seizure, judgment, lien, or garnishment against Venezuelan oil and diluent sale proceeds deposited in U.S. custody.
The funds—classified as “Foreign Government Deposit Funds”—are to remain frozen unless explicitly authorised by the new directive. The order also prohibits transfers or dealings in the funds and overrides earlier regulations that may have allowed such actions.
U.S. officials maintain that the revenues remain the sovereign property of Venezuela, held for governmental and diplomatic purposes, and cannot be claimed by private individuals or entities.
The administration says the move is designed to protect U.S. national security interests and advance foreign policy objectives amid Venezuela’s political instability.
Security Alerts and Military Operation
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy has reiterated that Venezuela’s security situation remains highly volatile, warning American citizens to avoid travel to the country and urging those already there to leave immediately.
In a January 10, 2026 security alert, the embassy recalled its 2019 withdrawal from Caracas, when all diplomatic staff were evacuated and consular services suspended.
Tensions escalated further following a dramatic U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, which led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The pre-dawn raid, reportedly carried out by more than 200 U.S. Special Operations forces, targeted key locations in Caracas, including the Fort Tiuna military complex, under an operation codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve.”
Maduro and Flores were taken from their residence, transferred to the USS Iwo Jima, and later flown to New York City. Reports indicate that dozens of Venezuelan security personnel and Cuban special forces acting as bodyguards were killed during the operation.
Charges, Power Shift, and Oil Politics
Following the operation, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president by Venezuela’s National Assembly, condemning the raid as a “kidnapping” and a violation of national sovereignty.
Upon arrival in the United States, the Department of Justice unsealed indictments charging Maduro and Flores with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offences. U.S. prosecutors allege Maduro led a decades-long, cartel-linked drug operation involving groups such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the FARC.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty during their court appearance in Manhattan on January 5.
However, shortly after the capture, the Trump administration’s rhetoric appeared to shift beyond criminal prosecution. President Trump stated that the U.S. would “run the country” pending a political transition.
Within days, U.S. officials reportedly began consultations with American oil and gas executives on restructuring Venezuela’s energy sector. The Department of Energy indicated that some sanctions could be selectively eased to allow Venezuelan crude to re-enter global markets.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also hinted at an “oil quarantine” strategy to increase leverage over the country.
Global Concerns Grow
International observers and critics argue that while the operation was justified as a law enforcement action, the rapid focus on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves suggests broader geopolitical and economic ambitions.
Trump’s latest declaration as “Acting President of Venezuela” has only deepened concerns over sovereignty, international law, and the future of the crisis-hit nation.
— SUNTV Global Channel
