Donald Trump Says US Has ‘Captured’ Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and His Wife

 On January 3, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States had carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. According to Trump’s statement on his social platform Truth Social, both were taken into custody and flown out of the country following the operation. �

Trump described the operation as successful and said it was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.” He said further details would be provided at a press conference later in the day. Explosions were reported in the Venezuelan capital Caracas during the strike, and military aircraft were seen over key areas. �

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This announcement marks a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Trump’s claim has prompted uncertainty and international reactions, with Venezuelan authorities demanding proof of life and calling the action an aggression. �