Donald Trump Says U.S. Has Captured Venezuela’s President Maduro

The United States launched what it described as a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela early Saturday, followed by an extraordinary claim from President Donald Trump that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.

Multiple explosions were heard across Caracas as low-flying aircraft swept over the capital in the early hours of Jan. 3, 2026.

Venezuelan authorities accused Washington of attacking both civilian and military sites, denouncing the operation as an “imperialist attack” and urging citizens to mobilize in the streets.

It was not immediately clear who was governing the country following the strikes. Under Venezuela’s constitution, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume power if the president were incapacitated or removed, but there was no confirmation that a transfer had taken place. Rodríguez issued a statement demanding proof of life for Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, saying their whereabouts were unknown.

Trump announced the operation on his social media platform shortly after 4:30 a.m. Eastern time, saying Maduro “has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country” in an action carried out with U.S. law enforcement. He said additional details would be provided at a news conference later Saturday.

U.S. officials offered few immediate specifics. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said he had been briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told him that Maduro had been arrested by U.S. personnel to face criminal charges in the United States. The White House did not respond to questions about where Maduro and his wife were being taken.

Maduro was indicted in 2020 by U.S. prosecutors on narcotics-related charges, including allegations of “narco-terrorism” conspiracy. He last appeared on Venezuelan state television Friday, meeting with a visiting delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas.

The overnight operation appeared to last less than 30 minutes. Residents reported at least seven explosions, sending some people rushing into the streets while others posted videos and images online.

There was no immediate information on casualties or damage assessments, and it was unclear whether further U.S. action was planned.

Ahead of the strikes, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace, citing “ongoing military activity.”

The attack followed months of escalating pressure by the Trump administration on Maduro’s government. U.S. officials have blamed Venezuelan authorities for facilitating drug trafficking and have accused Caracas of threatening regional security. Maduro has repeatedly rejected the allegations, portraying U.S. actions as an attempt to remove him from power.

As dawn broke over Caracas, uncertainty reigned over the country’s leadership and the broader consequences of the unprecedented U.S. operation.