Trump Names Himself “Interim President of Venezuela” and Publishes His Photo

Trump Publishes a Manipulated Image Presenting Himself as “Interim President of Venezuela”

The Gesture Reinforces Symbolic and Political Tension After Nicolás Maduro’s Capture

Bilateral Relations and Venezuela’s Future Leadership Remain Uncertain

Donald Trump once again shook the international political landscape by posting on Truth Social a manipulated image of his Wikipedia profile, in which he assigns himself the title of “Interim President of Venezuela.”

Although the official Wikipedia page shows no such change, the post adds to a series of recent statements by the U.S. president that once again place Venezuela at the center of the regional political debate.

Trump Publishes Image as Interim President of Venezuela Amid Political Crisis

According to EFE, the image shared by Trump showed an altered version of Wikipedia presenting him as Interim President of Venezuela as of January 2026.

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However, the digital encyclopedia reflected no modification and continued to identify him as President of the United States.

Trump has previously used manipulated images or AI-generated videos to provoke controversy. In this case, the gesture comes in a context marked by the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the reordering of Venezuelan political power.

The post was not accompanied by an official announcement, but it reinforced the confrontational tone Trump has maintained regarding Venezuela’s political crisis and the country’s future.

Capture of Maduro and Warnings to Venezuelan Leadership

Trump confirmed that Nicolás Maduro was captured on January 3 during a U.S. military operation in Caracas, along with his wife Cilia Flores. Both were transferred to New York, where they face charges related to drug trafficking and corruption.

Trump as interim president of Venezuela – PHOTO: Shutterstock

During remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Maduro surrendered voluntarily and described the decision as “the right thing to do.”

He also claimed to have information about Maduro’s first night at a Brooklyn detention facility, though he declined to provide details.

In the same context, Trump reiterated threats against Delcy Rodríguez, whom he referred to as acting president, warning that she could face a situation similar to Maduro’s if she does not cooperate with the United States.

Oil, Power, and the U.S. Control Narrative

Trump said he expects to visit Venezuela and meet with Rodríguez “at some point.” He also claimed that the United States is “getting along very well with the leadership” in Venezuela and revealed discussions related to oil exports.

Trump dice que Delcy Rodríguez le ofreció 50 millones de barriles de petróleo

Trump says Delcy Rodríguez offered him 50 million barrels of oil

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Sunday from Air Force One that the acting president of the interim regime, Delcy Rodríguez, directly offered him 50 million barrels of… pic.twitter.com/fWoFAh1ZCt

— EVTV (@EVTVMiami) January 12, 2026

According to his statements, Venezuela will begin sending crude oil to the United States. Trump said Rodríguez asked whether the U.S. could take 50 million barrels of oil, and that he responded affirmatively, expressing his intention to revitalize Venezuela’s oil sector.

Latino Community in the United States: Between Uncertainty and Rejection

For the Venezuelan and Latino community in the United States, these statements generate uncertainty and mixed emotions. The figure of the Interim President of Venezuela has historically held symbolic importance for migrants who closely follow political developments in their country of origin.

Trump’s claims reignite political polarization and influence perceptions about Venezuela’s future, especially among families who maintain economic and emotional ties to the country.

Trump also posted comments on Truth Social on Saturday addressed to Venezuelans:

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“I love the Venezuelan people and I am already making Venezuela prosperous and safe again. Congratulations and thank you to everyone making it possible! President DJT,” Trump wrote.

Additionally, the focus on oil, sanctions, and political leadership directly impacts the migration debate and expectations of regional stability.

What the Sources Say

“The case is airtight,” Trump said when referring to the judicial process against Maduro. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who was present during the presidential trip, stated that Maduro “deserves to be in prison.”

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What’s Next for Venezuela’s Crisis

Trump is expected to continue using symbolic gestures and public statements to assert his position on Venezuela.

Potential visits, oil agreements, and the progression of the judicial process against Maduro will be key factors to watch in the coming weeks, as the Trump as interim president of Venezuela narrative continues to shape international debate.