In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international community, President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will temporarily oversee the governance of Venezuela. The declaration follows a massive U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Speaking during an NBC News special report, President Trump outlined the rationale for the temporary takeover, emphasizing the need for stability.
“We are going to run the country until a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” Trump stated. “We don’t want to be involved in someone else getting in with the same situation.”
The Operation: ‘Unlike Anything Since World War II’
The transition of power follows what the White House described as a “spectacular assault” carried out in Caracas between late Friday night and early Saturday morning. Under direct presidential authorization, the U.S. deployed overwhelming air, land, and sea forces to target a heavily fortified military facility in the heart of the Venezuelan capital.
Trump characterized the strike as a historic military feat, claiming it was an operation on a scale “people haven’t seen since World War II.” The primary objective was to apprehend Maduro, whom the U.S. administration has long labeled an “outlaw dictator.”
Captured and Facing Federal Charges in New York
Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were successfully taken into custody during the raid. They have been transferred to the United States to face trial in the Southern District of New York, where they remain in federal detention.
The list of federal charges awaiting the former leader includes:
- Narco-terrorism conspiracy
- Cocaine importation conspiracy
- Illegal possession of machine guns and destructive devices
Russia Condemns ‘Act of Armed Aggression,’ Urges Release
The Kremlin has responded with fierce criticism, describing the U.S. military action as a violation of international law. On Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement calling for the immediate release of the Venezuelan leader from U.S. custody.
“We strongly urge the American leadership to reconsider its position and release the legally elected president of the sovereign country and his wife,” the ministry stated.
Moscow characterized the intervention as an “act of armed aggression” and dismissed the justifications provided by Washington as “untenable.” While expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people, Russia has not yet offered immediate military or financial support. Additionally, Moscow dismissed as “fake” reports claiming that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez had fled to Russia.
Path to Transition
While President Trump did not provide a specific timeline for the U.S. administration of Venezuela, he insisted that the goal is to guarantee a “legitimate transfer of power” to new leadership.
The move has drawn polarized reactions globally. While supporters see it as a necessary step to end years of economic collapse, critics and allies alike—including the United Kingdom—have expressed concerns regarding national sovereignty and the long-term implications of a U.S.-led temporary government in South America.
As of Sunday morning, Caracas remains under a heavy security presence as the U.S. military works to secure key infrastructure and stabilize the city following the assault.
Source: NBC News
