Donald Trump has referred to himself as the “acting President of Venezuela” by sharing a fabricated Wikipedia page on his social media platform. The post on Truth Social depicts Trump as the ‘incumbent’ starting from January 2026, following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, seemingly taking a jab at Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez.
After the US forces apprehended Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3 in Caracas, the former vice president, Rodriguez, was sworn in as the new leader. Maduro, denying the charges of narco-terrorism, asserted his legitimacy as Venezuela’s rightful ruler.
The falsified Wikipedia entry by Trump features his official portrait from his assumption of the US presidency the previous year, identifying him as the “acting President of Venezuela” in addition to his role as the President of the United States.
The Trump administration has declared its intention to oversee Venezuela until the country achieves stability and self-governance, without specifying a timeline. Critics allege Trump’s vested interest in Venezuela’s resources, as evidenced by his meetings with oil industry executives, aiming to control oil distribution.
Despite Venezuela boasting the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, its daily oil production of about one million barrels falls significantly below the US average of 13.9 million barrels per day. The White House is framing its intervention in Venezuela in economic terms, with Trump seizing Venezuelan oil tankers and taking charge of the sale of sanctioned crude oil, planning indefinite control of global sales.
Acting president Rodriguez has rebuffed Trump’s assertions, warning her of dire consequences if she does not comply with US interests, including granting access to American energy companies. In response, Rodriguez emphasized her resilience, stating, “My destiny is not determined by them, but by God,” during an address to government officials.