Trump Claims U.S. 'In Charge' of Venezuela as Maduro Faces Court Showdown
Trump's claim that the U.S. is 'in charge' of Venezuela collides with Maduro's court appearance, raising stakes for sanctions and regional diplomacy.
Trump's Bold Claim
Former President Donald Trump declared the United States is now 'in charge' of Venezuela, a statement that sent shockwaves through Washington and Caracas late Sunday night. Speaking to supporters in Florida, Trump offered no legal framework for the assertion, yet the remark ricocheted across social media, stoking fresh speculation about possible U.S. intervention.
Maduro's Monday in Court
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is expected to appear before a special tribunal in Caracas on Monday to answer corruption charges leveled by opposition lawmakers. The hearing, scheduled for 9 a.m. local time, marks the first time a sitting Venezuelan leader has been summoned to court while in office.
Inside the Courtroom
Journalists were kept behind a cordon of national-guard troops as Maduro arrived under heavy escort. Protesters waved banners reading "Justicia sí, dictadura no" while pro-government loyalists chanted slogans in support of their embattled leader.
"This is not a trial; it's a circus orchestrated by foreign powers," Maduro told reporters before entering the courthouse.
Washington's Tightrope
Trump's comments complicate the Biden administration's cautious stance on Venezuela. Senior State Department officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the remark was "unhelpful" and risked undermining months of quiet diplomacy aimed at securing electoral concessions.
Key U.S. Objectives in Venezuela
- Restore democratic elections by 2025
- Ease sanctions in exchange for humanitarian access
- Curb migration flows to the southern border
What Happens Next
Legal analysts warn that any direct U.S. assertion of control would breach international law and trigger fierce resistance across Latin America. Instead, expect tighter sanctions, asset freezes, and renewed support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who still commands recognition from Washington.
As Caracas wakes to the sound of pot-banging protests, the question lingers: will Trump's rhetoric translate into policy, or will it remain another headline-grabbing provocation?