The world continues to watch with bated breath the unfolding of one of the most dramatic moments of the 21st century.
The American operation “Absolute Resolve” leveled every notion of state sovereignty and international balance within a few hours.
In the early hours of Saturday, 3 January 2026, elite units of Delta Force stormed the presidential palace in Caracas, captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were transferred to New York and are being held in shackles at the Brooklyn prison until they are tried as ordinary drug criminals.
While Donald Trump declares through an official address that the United States will now “administer” Venezuela until further notice so that “the oil can flow again”, the situation on the ground in Venezuela reeks of chaos and ungovernability, and the world resembles a powder keg ready to explode after the unthinkable operation by American forces.
Reports of at least 40 dead, including civilians from the bombardments in Caracas, compose a shocking scene.
Despite the arrest of their leader, the chavistas refuse to surrender, with Delcy Rodriguez assuming the role of interim president and vowing revenge for the “abduction” of Nicolas Maduro, as American helicopters tear through the sky above the oil fields.
Maduro shackled in the “hellhole” of Brooklyn: The first nightmarish night in the cell and the terror of the gangs
The federal prisons of New York have housed many notorious inmates, but none like Nicolas Maduro, who until just a few days ago enjoyed the comforts of a presidential palace.
His new reality is the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, a place notorious for its appalling conditions and extreme danger.
The status of Nicolas Maduro means that he will likely require special protection from the general prison population.
Experts warn that the former leader may be placed in 24-hour solitary confinement, either for his own safety from other inmates or to prevent any suicide attempt.
The situation becomes even more explosive when one considers that many members of Tren de Aragua, Venezuela’s most notorious criminal gang, are held in that same prison, making his stay there a constant threat to his life.
Without a lawyer and at the mercy of American justice
Alongside the terror of the cell, Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores face enormous obstacles to their legal defense.
Experts stress that it will be extremely difficult to find a private lawyer, as the payment of legal fees will be far from simple due to sanctions and the freezing of his assets.
In addition, major law firms with interests in Venezuela are expected to avoid the case so as not to clash with the new reality.
Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores are expected to be brought before a judge as early as Monday for the reading of charges.
The indictment unveiled by the government of Donald Trump is extremely severe: conspiracy for narco terrorism, the importation of massive quantities of cocaine into the United States, and illegal possession of heavy weapons.
If convicted, the man who once ruled Venezuela with an iron fist risks spending the rest of his life in a high security American prison, if he is not sentenced to death.
US officials release more images of Maduro following his capture from Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/tXey1tXwNS
— Hamdah Salhut (@hamdahsalhut) January 4, 2026
Delcy Rodriguez ordered to take over, but no one really knows
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was ordered to assume the reins of the country, but Donald Trump made clear who will be doing the governing.
The Supreme Court of Venezuela ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to immediately assume all duties and powers of the president, invoking “constitutional continuity”.
The decision was made public late on Saturday, with the court concluding that Nicolas Maduro is in a substantial and temporary inability to perform his duties.
Delcy Rodriguez will assume and exercise, as acting president, all powers and authorities deriving from the office, with the aim of administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the country.
The order was read by Judge Tania D’Amelio in a session broadcast by the state channel VTV, causing chills of concern for the next day.
According to the country’s constitution, in cases of absence of the president, the vice president is obliged to replace him.
However, the political thriller takes on terrifying dimensions as the American president Donald Trump hinted that there is secret coordination with the new leader.
Donald Trump stated that after talks with Marco Rubio, he was convinced that Delcy Rodriguez is ready to make Venezuela great again.
Despite Donald Trump’s statements, the 56-year-old daughter of Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, speaking on state television, demanded from the United States proof that Nicolas Maduro is alive and called for his immediate release, calling him the only legitimate president.
Her stance was aggressive, describing the arrest as a barbaric and illegal abduction, a direct attack on the country’s independence.
While sources report that behind the scenes negotiations are under way over how Delcy Rodriguez will govern until elections, the inconsistency between her words and Donald Trump’s claims is troubling.
Analysts estimate that her harsh rhetoric aims to rally the chavistas domestically.
Everything will be decided in the coming hours, as Donald Trump has already warned that if there is no compliance, the United States is ready to unleash a second, even more deadly attack.
Hegseth ultimatum for the next day in Venezuela and the terror of a new military landing
The United States are setting the terms for the next day in Venezuela, stated clearly in a press conference on CBS News by the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.
Despite his attempt to appear moderate, adding that it is up to the people of the country to determine their fate, his remark “we will decide what happens next” shocked international analysts.
Later, although he spoke more cautiously, noting that the future will be decided by the citizens of Venezuela, Pete Hegseth poured oil on the fire.
Responding to questions about a possible new deployment of troops, he emphasized meaningfully that they remain on standby so that President Donald Trump has all options on the table for the next steps.
The Secretary of Defense spoke to the network after his visit to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where he welcomed soldiers returning from what he called the successful mission in Venezuela.
“I saw the best face of America, I saw men and women dedicating their lives to defending our country,” he stated, sending a message of power in every direction.
Bypassing Congress and the law enforcement operation
When pressed on whether Donald Trump would seek congressional approval for what comes next, Pete Hegseth dropped a bombshell: he characterized the invasion as a “law enforcement operation”, adding simply that they would keep Congress informed.
He clarified that although Venezuelans will decide, in the end it is America that will benefit in terms of security and prosperity.
Praising Donald Trump as a “president of action”, Pete Hegseth warned that there is no peace in this dangerous world without power.
He even did not hesitate to refer extensively to “oil prosperity” for America, cynically admitting that control of black gold is the decisive factor of the American mission.
Anger in Beijing over the “hegemonic aggression” of the USA - Ultimatum to Washington for the release of Nicolas Maduro
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded the immediate release of the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores by the United States.
According to reports by the agency TASS, Chinese diplomats also demanded guarantees of their physical safety, as their detention on American soil is considered a blatant violation of every international norm.
“China calls on the United States to immediately release President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, to stop actions that undermine state authority in Venezuela, and to resolve problems through dialogue and negotiations,” the ministry stated in an official announcement.
One day earlier, Beijing had condemned in the strongest terms the use of force by the United States, stressing that such “hegemonic actions” threaten peace and security throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
The succession thriller in Venezuela: Who will sit on the throne of Caracas after the seizure of Maduro
With Nicolas Maduro now in American hands, the question burning the international community is one: who will dare to take the reins of a country in political chaos?
If we are talking about a total collapse of the regime, that is, if all close associates of Nicolas Maduro abandon their posts, then the opposition would theoretically be in a position of strength to take control.
1) The first name that comes to everyone’s mind is of course Maria Corina Machado. The iron lady of the opposition and holder of the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 has been declaring for months that her faction is ready to govern the country. However, things are not so simple. In a statement that caused an earthquake, Donald Trump, during a press conference, publicly belittled her, cynically claiming that she “does not have the necessary support or respect within the country” to govern.
2) Delcy Rodriguez, also known as the “tiger” of the regime, appears determined not to lay down arms despite the captivity of her mentor. The situation becomes even more complicated, as Donald Trump hinted that Washington could cooperate with Delcy Rodriguez if she agrees to “make Venezuela great again”, while she publicly calls him an abductor.
3) The third name being heard is that of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, but his acceptance is low.
4) And the fourth name to resurface is that of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who was elected in 2024. The French president Macron called for the transition of power in Venezuela to take place with respect for the will of the people and for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the main opponent of the current President Maduro in the 2024 elections, to lead it. “The upcoming transition must be peaceful, democratic and respect the will of the people of Venezuela. We want President Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, elected in 2024, to ensure this transition as soon as possible,” he wrote on the social media platform X, thus referring to Maduro’s opponent in the 2024 elections as “the elected president”. Maduro won the presidential elections held in Venezuela on 28 July 2024, with 51,95% of the vote, while Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia received 43,18% of the vote.
Shock warning Wesley Clark (Former NATO Supreme Commander): The USA will “bleed” for Venezuela’s oil
The possibility of an extremely hostile climate in Venezuela could turn the United States’ effort to “secure” the country’s oil reserves into a bloody trap, stated on CNN retired General Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, sounding the alarm for the day after the American invasion.
Wesley Clark did not mince words, emphasizing that historically peoples react fiercely when great powers invade their homeland with the sole aim of plundering natural resources.
Despite the claims of President Donald Trump that the oil belongs to America due to investments lost during nationalizations, the general warned that it would be practically impossible for the American military to keep oil fields under control in a country boiling with hatred.
The former NATO chief stressed that the aftermath of this military operation remains frighteningly unclear, leaving open the possibility of a prolonged and destructive conflict.
Democrats in the trenches over Donald Trump’s invasion of Venezuela
Democrats in the House of Representatives are on high alert, planning for today, Sunday 4/1, a critical conference call as anger within the party overflows.
The actions of President Donald Trump in Venezuela have provoked fierce reactions, with party officials speaking of dangerous and arbitrary moves that endanger global security.
Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer launched a scathing attack on the Donald Trump administration, accusing it of completely ignoring Congress and failing to seek the required authorization before the attack.
They demanded immediate and full briefing on what is really happening on the ground.
Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader in the House, stressed pointedly that far too many questions remain unanswered, calling for irrefutable evidence to justify this unauthorized use of military force that shocks the international community.
High impact intervention by Elon Musk in Venezuela: Starlink opens the gates of the internet after the bombings
In a move that has caused a sensation, Starlink announced that it is providing free broadband internet to Venezuela, immediately after the devastating US strikes that destroyed the country’s infrastructure.
The company of Elon Musk intervenes dynamically, offering access to the people of Venezuela until 3 February, in an effort to ensure connectivity in a country sinking into chaos.
This move by SpaceX takes on enormous significance, as the internet in Venezuela has traditionally been plagued by strict state control, frequent power outages and desperately low speeds.
By providing free satellite internet, Starlink bypasses the restrictions of the Caracas regime, giving citizens, and forces operating on the ground, the ability to communicate without censorship.
Elon Musk’s intervention in the Venezuela crisis is considered by many to be the next major geopolitical card in the region.
Kamala Harris excoriates: Trump’s operation in Venezuela illegal and foolish, we have seen this movie before
A fierce attack against President Donald Trump was launched by former Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, describing the American operation in Venezuela as “illegal and foolish”.
In a caustic social media post on Sunday evening, Kamala Harris stressed that this move will not make America safer, stronger or more prosperous.
“The fact that Nicolas Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was illegal and foolish,” Kamala Harris wrote.
She warned that history is repeating itself, speaking of wars under the pretext of regime change or oil, which are marketed as displays of power but always end in absolute chaos, with American families ultimately paying the heavy price.
According to her, the public is tired of lies, as the operation is not about drugs or democracy, but about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the “strongman” of the region.
Kamala Harris accused the president of putting American troops in mortal danger and wasting billions of dollars, destabilizing an entire region without any legal authorization or exit plan.
Her intervention carries particular weight, as in a recent interview with the BBC she left open the possibility of a new presidential bid, showing that the political confrontation in Washington will be relentless.
John Bolton exposes Donald Trump: The dark plan to overthrow Maduro that had been brewing for years in the White House
The overthrow of Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, was not a sudden decision, as it had already been placed on the table in the Oval Office during the first term of Donald Trump, according to shock revelations by former National Security Advisor John Bolton.
As he stated on CNN, a plan for the violent removal of Nicolas Maduro had been presented to Donald Trump years ago, but did not proceed at the time because his aides were unable to keep him “focused” on the operation.
John Bolton, who served in the White House during 2018–2019, revealed that the American president had shown “great interest in Venezuela’s oil” from the very beginning.
Although his team had managed to pique his interest with the idea of regime change, Donald Trump at the time appeared to lose focus, while the opposition in Venezuela mistakenly believed that economic sanctions would be sufficient to bend Caracas.
Marco Rubio: The man who convinced Donald Trump to press the button
The situation changed drastically in the second term, with Marco Rubio playing a decisive role.
The current Secretary of State appears to have been far more successful in convincing Donald Trump to undertake armed action.
According to John Bolton, this time Donald Trump was persuaded to engage because Marco Rubio persisted to the end, betting both on natural resources and on the enormous political benefits of such a move.
It is worth noting that John Bolton, from a close associate, has turned into one of Donald Trump’s fiercest critics.
The timing of his revelations is particularly critical, as he himself is now facing very serious charges related to the transmission and possession of classified defense information, at a time when Venezuela is burning under American bombs.
Read here the chronology of the US operation and the capture of Nicolas Maduro.
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