WASHINGTON-(MaraviPost)-In a bizarre turn of events, US President Donald Trump has declared himself the “Acting President of Venezuela” in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The announcement, made on Sunday, January 11, 2026, has sparked widespread criticism and ridicule, with many calling it “completely insane” and “a grip on reality that’s slipping”.
Trump’s claim is based on a fake Wikipedia page screenshot he shared, listing him as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States and the “Acting President of Venezuela”.
He justified this move as an effort to protect Venezuela’s stability and manage its oil resources for the benefit of both Venezuelans and Americans.
The US has been involved in Venezuela’s political crisis, with Trump previously stating that the country would be “run” by the US until a safe transition occurs.
This latest move has raised questions about Trump’s intentions and the legitimacy of his claim.
Venezuela’s current situation is complex, with Nicolás Maduro’s presidency disputed by opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who was recognized as interim president by several countries, including the US, in 2019.
However, Guaidó’s recognition has since been withdrawn by some countries, including the US, which now recognizes the National Assembly elected in 2015 as Venezuela’s “only remaining democratically elected institution”.
Trump’s declaration has been met with skepticism and outrage, with critics labeling him a “lunatic” and questioning his grip on reality.
Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, is currently acting as Venezuela’s de facto president.
The international community is watching this situation closely, and it’s unclear how this move will impact US-Venezuela relations and the global political landscape.