This is the moment that Donald Trump unleashed anarchy

U.S. President Donald Trump says U.S. forces conducted strikes in Venezuela and that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured after an early-morning operation in Caracas. Trump claimed Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and are being transported to New York to face existing U.S. drug-related charges.  Trump announced that the United States will “run” Venezuela temporarily to oversee a transition and tap its oil resources to help stabilize the country. 

U.S. politicians and international leaders have mixed responses — some Republicans praised the capture, while many Democrats and foreign governments warned this could spark a new conflict and violate international law.  Experts are analyzing the legality and strategic implications of this operation, given that Congress did not authorize military action. 

Before this dramatic escalation, Trump had been increasing pressure on Maduro’s government throughout late 2025, including military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking targets and sanctions against Venezuelan officials — all part of a broader campaign Trump characterized as combating cartels and authoritarianism. 

According to multiple reputable news agencies, the situation between Trump and Maduro has escalated sharply — with Trump claiming to have captured Maduro in a U.S. operation and now planning to exercise control over Venezuela temporarily while facing strong domestic and international debate over the legality and consequences of this action.