Donald Trump has said the US will “run” Venezuela until a “safe” transition of power can take place after carrying out strikes on the country and capturing its president. The operation followed months of pressure from Washington on the oil-rich South American nation, which Mr Trump said the US would run until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could take place. Photograph: Adalberto Roque/AFP via Getty Images“He’s just had a conversation with her and she’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Mr Trump said. In relation to María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s opposition leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year, Mr Trump said: “I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect.”Speaking about the military operation in which Mr Maduro and his wife were captured, Mr Trump said it had been “extraordinary”.

Source: The Irish Times January 03, 2026 21:40 UTC