In a surprising move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared himself the “interim governor of Venezuela” via a post on his Truth Social platform. The post included an image of Trump taken from Wikipedia, edited to read “Acting President of Venezuela.” This declaration follows recent developments in Venezuela and ongoing questions regarding the legitimacy of its current leadership.
The post appears to be an indirect commentary on the temporary assumption of power by Delcy Rodríguez, the Vice President of Venezuela, following the reported arrest of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
Rodríguez responded swiftly via her X account, asserting that “the Venezuelan government is committed to maintaining its political sovereignty and defending state institutions.” She emphasized the rejection of any external interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Adding to the complexity, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated in an interview with CBS that the American role in overseeing a transitional phase in Venezuela could be extended. He indicated that this involvement “could last for a year or two, and perhaps for years.”
These statements and reactions represent a significant escalation in the Venezuelan situation. The future of leadership in Caracas remains a point of international division, with ongoing debate surrounding the extent of the U.S. role in the region. The situation remains fluid and is being closely monitored.
