We are going to run Venezuela until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition
Smoke rises from La Guaira Port after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 03, 2026.
Jesus Vargas | Getty Images
President Donald Trump said he would temporarily take over control of Venezuela after the United States launched a large-scale surprise attack on the country overnight.
“We’re going to run the country until we can have a safe, appropriate and reasonable transition,” Trump said at a news conference Saturday morning at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. he said.
Trump said the Venezuela operation “was one of the most striking, effective and powerful demonstrations of the American military.”
Trump also said, “Not a single American soldier was killed, not a single piece of American equipment was lost; many helicopters, many planes and many people were involved in this conflict.” he said.
US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The couple was indicted in the Southern District of New York on drug trafficking charges.
Trump said the United States would be responsible until a safe leadership transition is achieved.
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