US will determine next step in leadership of Venezuela – Trump
According to a report by Sky News on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is now actively determining the next steps for leadership in Venezuela, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump warned that individuals loyal to Maduro face a “bad future” if they continue to support the ousted leader. He suggested that US officials are considering opposition figures, including Maria Corina Machado, as part of a potential transition plan for Venezuela.
According to Trump, Maduro and Flores are currently aboard a US warship en route to New York, where they have been indicted on multiple charges, including narco-terrorism.
The president emphasized that the operation, which he approved more than a week ago, was carefully planned and executed, with discussions over its timing taking place “almost hour by hour” prior to the raid, including in the lead-up to Christmas.
Trump also highlighted the strategic importance of Venezuela’s oil industry, stating that the United States would be “strongly involved” in the country’s energy sector moving forward.
Regarding the operation itself, Trump reported that a few US personnel sustained injuries during the mission, but confirmed that there were no fatalities among US forces.
Trump was scheduled to hold a news conference later today to provide additional details on the operation and its objectives.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in Latin America, as US military action in Venezuela represents an unprecedented intervention in the country’s political landscape.
Source: Opera News
