Former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked global attention after a viral post surfaced on social media showing him listed as the “Acting President of Venezuela.” The image was styled like an edited Wikipedia page and featured Trump’s official presidential portrait. The post quickly spread online, drawing sharp reactions from governments and political observers across the world.

The viral image appeared shortly after a dramatic U.S. operation that led to the capture and removal of Venezuela’s sitting President, Nicolás Maduro. Maduro and his wife were flown to New York, where he is now facing federal charges related to narcoterrorism and drug trafficking. Maduro has denied the legitimacy of the operation and claimed that he was “kidnapped.”

The U.S. action followed months of escalating pressure on Venezuela, including economic sanctions and military activity targeting the oil-rich nation. The operation triggered international backlash, with countries such as China, Russia, Colombia, and Spain calling it a “blatant violation of international law.”

Hours after Maduro was removed, Trump publicly stated that the United States would temporarily “run” Venezuela. He said this move was necessary due to security concerns and the need for a controlled transition of power. Trump also announced that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela’s oil operations during this interim period and sell Venezuelan oil to global markets.

Inside Venezuela, Maduro’s second-in-command, Delcy Rodríguez, took the oath as interim President. Rodríguez rejected the U.S. claims of authority, demanded Maduro’s immediate release, and declared that he remains the rightful leader of Venezuela. Her government dismissed Trump’s statements and refused to recognise any U.S. control over the country.

Trump responded strongly to Rodríguez’s actions. He warned that she could “pay a very big price” if she failed to cooperate with the United States. Trump added that her consequences could be “even more severe” than those faced by Maduro, who is currently being held in New York on serious criminal charges.

Trump also claimed credit after Venezuela announced the release of several political prisoners. The move was described by Venezuelan authorities as a gesture to “seek peace.” On Truth Social, Trump said the releases happened “in a big way” following U.S. intervention. He also issued a warning to those freed, telling them to “never forget it.”

In addition to political developments, Trump focused heavily on Venezuela’s oil sector. He asked major American oil companies to invest up to $100 billion in Venezuela to rapidly increase oil production. Speaking at a White House meeting with oil executives, Trump said the U.S. would decide which companies are allowed to operate in Venezuela as part of efforts to rebuild the country’s deteriorated oil industry.

Trump also praised an agreement with Venezuela’s interim leadership to supply 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States. He stated that oil deliveries could continue indefinitely and claimed that increased supply would help lower energy prices in the U.S.

Further strengthening U.S. control over Venezuelan oil revenue, Trump signed an executive order protecting money held in the United States that is derived from the sale of Venezuelan oil. This move was presented as part of broader measures to manage Venezuela’s resources during the interim period.

The edited Wikipedia-style image and Trump’s statements have fuelled debate and controversy worldwide. While Trump has made clear claims of authority, Venezuela’s interim leadership continues to reject U.S. involvement and insists on Maduro’s legitimacy. The situation remains tense as international reactions continue to unfold.