Trump Wants to “Run” Venezuela. What Does That Mean?

Key Concepts

• Regime Change in Venezuela: The US-led removal of Nicholas Maduro from power and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding the country’s future.
• DEA Operation/Law Enforcement vs. Act of War: The Trump administration’s justification for the intervention as a law enforcement operation rather than a military act.
• Delta Force: The US Army’s elite special operations force involved in the extraction of Maduro.
• Narco-Terrorism: The charge leveled against Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, alleging involvement in drug and weapons trafficking.
• US Oil Interests in Venezuela: The potential economic motivations behind the intervention, specifically access to Venezuelan oil reserves.
• Venezuelan Public Reaction: The complex and divided responses from Venezuelans both within and outside the country.
• Super Flu (Influenza Variant): A rapidly spreading and vaccine-resistant strain of influenza causing a surge in hospitalizations.
• BYD vs. Tesla: The shift in the electric vehicle market leadership from Tesla to the Chinese company BYD.

Venezuela Intervention: A Detailed Account

The start of 2026 was marked by a dramatic intervention in Venezuela, culminating in the removal of President Nicholas Maduro from power by US forces. This occurred after months of covert CIA operations tracking Maduro’s movements within Venezuela. The operation, described as a bold and risky mission, involved approximately 150 warplanes – fighter jets and bombers – providing air support for roughly a dozen special operations helicopters, including those operated by the Army’s Delta Force.

The Raid & Justification:

The raid unfolded under the cover of darkness, with helicopters approaching Caracas at low altitude (100 ft) over water. Prior to the helicopters’ arrival, US forces disabled Venezuelan air defenses, ensuring a safe passage. Upon landing, the helicopters encountered gunfire, responding with “overwhelming force” in self-defense. The team successfully located Maduro in a compound equipped with a reinforced safe room, but reached him before he could secure himself inside. Both Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, were apprehended and transported to the US, where they now face federal indictment in New York City, accused of narco-terrorism – trafficking drugs and weapons.

The Trump administration maintains that this was not an act of war, but rather a law enforcement operation supporting the DEA. This justification is being debated, but the outcome is Maduro’s removal and detention in the US.

Post-Maduro Uncertainty & US Intentions:

With Maduro removed, the immediate question became who would lead Venezuela. While Vice President Deli Rodriguez was sworn in as the interim president, President Trump initially stated the US would “run Venezuela.” This statement was later clarified by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated the US would instead “run the policies” of the country, leveraging its influence to achieve desired outcomes.

The US’s intentions appear to be tied to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, with President Trump explicitly stating a desire to “take back the oil” and benefit from its wealth. This has sparked concerns among Venezuelans about potential neo-colonialism and a loss of sovereignty. While the US military has withdrawn from the ground, 15,000 US forces remain in the region, with President Trump warning of potential further intervention if Venezuela deviates from US-preferred policies.

Venezuelan Reactions & Regional Implications

The reaction within Venezuela is complex. While many Venezuelans are celebrating Maduro’s removal, there is also concern about US intervention and control. Expatriate Venezuelans, many of whom fled the country due to the political and economic crisis, are largely pleased with the outcome. However, there is a strong desire for Venezuela to determine its own future, rather than being dictated to by the US.

Matt Rivers, reporting from Bogota, Colombia, highlighted the dichotomy: Venezuelans are happy Maduro is gone, but nervous about the US “running” their country. The opposition, led by Maria Karina Machado, is seen by many as the legitimate government-in-waiting, but the Trump administration has not yet endorsed her leadership.

The situation has also caused regional uncertainty, with concerns about potential spillover effects and the possibility of similar interventions in other Latin American countries, particularly Cuba, given Secretary Rubio’s Cuban heritage and long-held views.

Other News Highlights (Post-Holiday Wrap-Up)

Beyond the Venezuela intervention, several other significant events occurred during the holiday period:

• ISIS-Inspired Terror Attack Thwarted: An 18-year-old in North Carolina was arrested on New Year’s Eve for planning a terror attack with a knife and hammer, inspired by ISIS ideology. The FBI had been monitoring him for three years through an undercover operation.
• BYD Overtakes Tesla: Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has surpassed Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker, with Tesla’s sales down 10% from the previous year.
• Iranian Currency Crisis & Protests: Iran’s currency has plummeted, leading to widespread protests and a violent crackdown by authorities, resulting in at least 15 deaths. President Trump has threatened intervention if peaceful protesters are harmed.
• New York City Mayor Sworn In: Zoran Mandani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor, becoming the first Muslim to hold the office and the first mayor from Queens.
• Obamacare Subsidies Expire: Millions of Americans lost health insurance coverage on January 1st due to the expiration of enhanced Obamacare subsidies, prompting calls for Congressional action.
• “Super Flu” Outbreak: A new, rapidly spreading, and vaccine-resistant strain of influenza is causing a surge in hospitalizations across the US, with cases continuing to rise.
• California Weather & Colorado Ski Resort Strike: California experienced record-breaking rainfall over Christmas, while the Telleluride Ski Resort in Colorado was shut down due to a strike by snow patrol workers.
• Manatee Cuddle Puddle: Hundreds of manatees congregated in warm spring waters in Crystal Springs, Florida, creating a remarkable “cuddle puddle” as they sought refuge from the cold.

Conclusion

The beginning of 2026 has been dominated by the dramatic intervention in Venezuela, raising complex questions about sovereignty, US foreign policy, and the future of the country. While Maduro’s removal has been welcomed by many, the uncertainty surrounding the US’s intentions and the potential for neo-colonialism are causing concern. Alongside this major geopolitical event, a range of other significant developments – from thwarted terror attacks to a new flu strain – underscore the rapidly changing global landscape. The year has begun with a sense of urgency and a reminder that even during the holiday season, the world continues to evolve at a rapid pace.