Trump Declares Himself 'Acting President' of Venezuela, Seizes Oil Reserves

• Donald Trump declared himself the 'Acting President' of Venezuela via a Truth Social post on January 11, 2026.
• This move follows the US military's arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in Caracas under 'Operation Absolute Resolve'.
• Maduro is currently on trial in New York for drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
• Trump signed an executive order declaring a 'national emergency' to control Venezuela's oil revenues, preventing seizure by creditors.
• Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has offered the US 50 million barrels of oil, valued at $4.2 billion, which has already departed for the US.

Why It Matters: Donald Trump has asserted control over Venezuela's leadership and oil, sparking international debate.