Trump promotes himself 'acting Venezuelan president'
US President Donald Trump stirred global controversy on Sunday by posting an image on his Truth Social account portraying himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” with an “incumbent January 2026” label.
The post also listed his US title alongside the Venezuelan role, drawing sharp reactions and raising questions about Washington’s stance in the unfolding crisis.
The image, styled like a Wikipedia entry, appears to be digitally altered and has no legal or constitutional basis under Venezuelan, US or international law. There is currently no official record recognising Trump as Venezuela’s president.
Trump’s declaration comes against the backdrop of a dramatic escalation in US-Venezuela tensions.
Earlier this month, US forces carried out a large-scale military strike on Caracas, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. They were flown to New York and face federal indictments on narco-terrorism and trafficking charges.
Following Maduro’s removal, Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of interim president to ensure continuity of governance. Rodriguez, supported by elements of the Venezuelan military, has publicly pledged to secure Maduro’s return and maintain the country’s institutions amid the crisis.
The Trump administration has said it will guide Venezuela through a transitional period until a “safe, proper and judicious” political transition can be arranged. Trump has also emphasised the strategic importance of Venezuela’s vast oil resources, signalling US interest in overseeing the sector and its revenues during the interim phase.
Trump’s social media post has drawn widespread attention and debate, with critics calling it symbolic rather than substantive. There has been no formal recognition of Trump’s claim by Venezuelan authorities, other governments, or international bodies.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid. Maduro continues to maintain he is the legitimate head of state and has pleaded not guilty in US court, while Rodríguez’s interim government engages in diplomatic dealings with international partners. Observers are watching closely as the geopolitical implications of the crisis extend far beyond the region.