'Acting President of Venezuela': Trump’s Truth Social post lands as US moves to control Venezuelan oil sales

President Trump posted a Truth Social image naming himself “Acting President of Venezuela” as Washington moves to control Caracas and its oil assets following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

• Trump claims title 'Acting President of Venezuela' after US captures Maduro
• US plans to sell 30-50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at market price
• China criticizes US actions, calling them a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty

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US President Donald Trump posted an image on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday claiming the title 'Acting President of Venezuela' amid Washington’s consolidation of power in the country following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

The image lists Trump as 'Incumbent January 2026,' alongside his titles as the 45th and 47th President of the United States.

In early January, the US carried out a military operation that resulted in the capture and removal of Maduro from power, bringing him and his wife, Cilia Flores, to New York to face federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy. Maduro pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court this week.

Following the capture, Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, was sworn in as interim president under Article 233 of the Venezuelan constitution.

Trump has said the US will 'run Venezuela' until a transition is arranged, with plans to sell between 30 million and 50 million barrels of previously sanctioned Venezuelan oil at market price, according to announcements from the White House.

The oil strategy is central to US policy in Venezuela, with officials claiming control of revenue will be used to benefit both Venezuelans and the United States. A broader plan articulated by the administration includes seizing oil production and managing sales indefinitely.

The move has drawn international attention and criticism. China has accused the US of “bullying” Venezuela, saying Washington’s blockade of sanctioned oil traffic violates Venezuelan sovereignty.

The operation and Trump’s claims come amid a backdrop of strained US-Venezuela relations that have included US designations of Maduro and the Cartel of the Suns as terrorist entities and long-standing allegations tying Caracas to drug trafficking.