Washington: US President Donald Trump shared a digitally altered image declaring himself the “Acting President of Venezuela” on his Truth Social platform, amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Earlier today, Trump also told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that his administration was working “really well with the leadership” of Venezuela’s interim head, Delcy Rodriguez, and indicated he would be open to meeting her.

"Venezuela is really working out well. We're working along really well with the leadership," he said. Asked if he planned to meet with Rodriguez, Trump added: "At some point I'll be."

He further said he expected to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Tuesday or Wednesday, though he dismissed the possibility of her serving as Venezuela's interim leader following Maduro’s ouster.

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Trump’s comments come just over a week after Maduro was seized in a US special forces operation and brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The United States now enforces a naval blockade over Venezuela’s oil exports, asserting de facto control of the country.

Rodriguez, despite being a close Maduro ally, has indicated a willingness to cooperate with the United States on access to Venezuelan oil. Her government has also pledged to release political prisoners and engage in talks to reestablish diplomatic ties with Washington. US envoys visited Caracas on Friday to discuss reopening the embassy.

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The Venezuelan government said a “large” number of political prisoners would be released starting Thursday, though rights groups and opposition say only about 20 have walked free so far, including key opposition figures such as Freddy Superlano, jailed after challenging Maduro’s contested reelection in 2024.