United States President, Donald Trump, has described himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” in a post on his Truth Social platform, sparking global reactions and raising questions about sovereignty and international norms amid renewed attention on Venezuela.
The claim was made on Sunday when Trump shared an image resembling a modified Wikipedia-style profile. The image listed him as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States and the “Acting President of Venezuela”, “Incumbent January 2026.” It also featured his portrait and identified his US vice president, JD Vance.
The post quickly circulated online and drew widespread debate over its intent and legal standing. There is no official record or legal basis under Venezuelan law, international law, or US policy recognising the US president as Venezuela’s acting president.
ALSO READ: FULL LIST: AFRIMA Awards 2026 winners
Trump’s post followed earlier statements in which he said the United States would “run Venezuela until a safe, proper and judicious transition” can occur, placing US involvement at the centre of any interim governance arrangement.
He has justified this position as a move to protect stability in Venezuela and manage the country’s oil resources in a way he says would benefit both Venezuelans and Americans. This includes proposals to import between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil for sale on the global market under US control.
(The Economic Times)