Nationwide — US President Donald Trump said the United States will “run” Venezuela following Nicolás Maduro’s capture, signaling temporary U.S. control and oversight until a political transition can be arranged. He also emphasized American dominance in the region and issued warnings to neighboring countries.
Trump told reporters that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela “until we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition.” He offered few details on how this would work and questioned opposition leader María Corina Machado’s ability to govern. Trump framed the operation as a revival of the Monroe Doctrine, asserting that U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere would remain unchallenged.
The move drew mixed reactions across Latin America. According to America’s Quarterly, leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa praised the operation, while Chile’s Gabriel Boric criticized it as a breach of sovereignty. Analysts warned that Maduro’s capture created a power vacuum that could destabilize Venezuela if not managed carefully.
Political experts said Venezuela lacks the institutions to immediately transfer power. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez holds authority in practice but lacks democratic legitimacy, making an immediate transition risky. Analysts argue that any provisional government would need both opposition leaders and institutional support to maintain stability and prevent chaos.
Trump’s statements also highlighted broader U.S. priorities. He connected the operation to energy security and warned Mexico and Colombia about drug trafficking, signaling that U.S. actions in Venezuela were as much about regional influence as the country’s political transition.
Looking ahead, experts say Venezuela faces a narrow path. Ignoring the 2024 election results could repeat past authoritarian patterns. A legitimate, negotiated transition that balances stability with democratic principles is widely seen as the only path toward lasting reform.