Trump Says U.S. Will “Run” Venezuela After Maduro Capture

By Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS — Breaking Military News

WASHINGTON, D.C — (January 3, 2026) — U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States will now “run Venezuela” following the dramatic overnight capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, declaring that American forces will oversee the country until what he called a “proper and judicious transition” of power takes place.

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Trump made the remarks hours after U.S. military personnel executed a high-risk raid inside Venezuela, seizing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transferring them to U.S. custody.

What We Know

Venezuela seized:
Trump said the United States will temporarily govern Venezuela following Maduro’s capture, pending the installation of a new leadership structure.
Maduro charged:
Trump posted an image of Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima, en route to New York, where he is expected to face drug trafficking and weapons charges in Manhattan federal court.
Elite raid:
U.S. special forces reportedly stormed Maduro’s residence before dawn, removing both him and Flores from their bedroom during what Trump described as a “pinpoint operation.”
Helicopter hit:
Trump confirmed one U.S. helicopter was struck during the raid, injuring some service members, but no American fatalities were reported.
Political fallout:
Venezuela’s opposition has called for their preferred candidate to take power, while government officials loyal to Maduro insist he remains the legitimate president.

Trump Signals U.S. Will Oversee Venezuela’s Transition

Speaking from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said U.S. forces were prepared to launch a second wave of military operations — but suggested it would no longer be necessary.

“We were prepared to do a second wave if we needed to do so — we actually assumed a second wave would be necessary, but now it’s probably not,” Trump said.

“The first wave was so successful, we probably don’t have to do a second. But we were prepared to do a much bigger wave.”

Trump added that further U.S. military actions inside Venezuela remain under review but are now unlikely following the success of the initial strike.

‘Incredible Operation,’ Trump Says

Trump praised the military operation, calling it one of the most effective actions ever conducted by U.S. forces overseas.

“If you would have seen what I saw last night, you would have been very impressed,” he said.
“Not a single American service member was killed and not a single piece of American equipment was lost.”

The president confirmed the raid involved multiple helicopters, aircraft, and elite ground units, coordinated under the cover of darkness.

“We had many helicopters, many planes, many, many people involved in that fight,” Trump added.

Venezuela’s Leadership Now in Question

With Maduro now in U.S. custody, Venezuela faces immediate political uncertainty. Opposition leaders have called for their candidate to be installed, while officials loyal to Maduro claim the arrest was illegal and that he remains the nation’s president.

Trump’s declaration that the United States will oversee the country during the transition has sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles.

As the geopolitical fallout continues, JRL CHARTS will deliver live updates on the unfolding U.S.–Venezuela crisis, military operations, and political consequences shaping the region.

Photo: President Donald Trump / Truth Social

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