Maduro in U.S. Custody as Trump Announces New Venezuela Strategy

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been transferred to the United States, where he is reportedly being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as authorities prepare potential charges related to drug trafficking and weapons violations. U.S. officials confirmed the transfer as investigations continue.

Following the announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington intends to assume temporary oversight of Venezuela’s governance, describing the move as necessary to ensure what he called an orderly and lawful political transition. Trump also indicated that the United States plans to take control of Venezuela’s extensive oil reserves, marking a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the country’s internal affairs.

Venezuela’s political leadership now faces deep uncertainty. The country’s Supreme Court has directed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president, while opposition figure María Corina Machado has urged the immediate installation of an opposition-backed leader. The conflicting claims have added to the instability gripping the nation.

Reactions among Venezuelans, both domestically and abroad, have been deeply divided. While some gatherings reflected hope and celebration, many expressed concern, fear, and anxiety over the country’s future direction and the implications of foreign intervention.

In the wake of the military operation linked to Maduro’s capture, authorities confirmed that Caribbean airspace restrictions are being lifted, with commercial flights expected to resume from midnight Eastern Time. Several international airlines have announced plans to gradually restart operations by Sunday.

The situation remains fluid, as governments and international organizations closely watch developments that could carry far-reaching regional and global consequences.