USA Trump: Leading Venezuela to safe passage
According to US President Donald Trump, the USA wants to take over the leadership of Venezuela on a transitional basis. "We will continue to lead the country until we can ensure a safe, orderly and prudent transition," the Republican said in a press conference following the arrest of head of state Nicolás Maduro.
03.01.2026, 18:22
03.01.2026, 18:23
SDA
Trump said the Venezuelans were now "free". On Saturday morning, Trump announced on Truth Social that US forces had arrested the head of state Nicolás Maduro and his wife during an attack on Venezuela. According to Trump, both are on a ship bound for New York, where they have been charged. According to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, both are accused of "conspiracy to commit drug terrorism" and "conspiracy to import cocaine", among other things.
Venezuela speaks of dead soldiers and civilians
According to government statements from Caracas, both soldiers and civilians were killed in the US attack in Venezuela. "We condemn this attack on our people, which has cost the lives of civil servants, soldiers, innocent people and civilians," said Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez on state television.
Maduro: USA wants to force a change of power
Venezuela's authoritarian head of state Maduro has long accused the USA of wanting to force a change of power in Caracas. Following his re-election in 2024, which was overshadowed by allegations of fraud, the government in Washington no longer recognized the left-wing politician as the legitimate head of state.
The US authorities also believe that Maduro is involved in drug trafficking. The US had offered a reward of up to 50 million dollars (around 43 million euros) for information leading to his arrest.
