Trump Venezuela Maduro Capture 2026: U.S. Moves to Secure Oil and Governance

They took him in the dead of night. Donald Trump's announcement of the capture of Nicolas Maduro on January 4, 2026, has sent shockwaves across the globe, signaling a radical shift in Latin American policy.

The Trump Venezuela Maduro Capture 2026 and the Oil Doctrine

President Trump isn't mincing words about the future of Venezuela. In a series of statements, he declared that the United States will "take" Venezuela's oil and that a specialized "team" from the U.S. is prepared to run the country following Maduro's removal. According to Al Jazeera reports, this move marks a direct transition from diplomatic pressure to active administrative intervention.

Skepticism Over Maria Corina Machado’s Role

Surprisingly, Trump also turned his focus toward opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, describing her as unfit to lead the nation. This stance suggests the U.S. might bypass local political leaders in favor of direct oversight. Meanwhile, the streets of Caracas are filled with a volatile mix of fear, joy, and uncertainty as citizens digest the news of their long-time leader's sudden fall.