Washington, Jan 4, 2026. – U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following a high-risk American operation that removed the Venezuelan leader from Caracas and transferred him into U.S. federal custody.
Trump announced this development early Sunday, describing the move as a long-planned enforcement of outstanding U.S. criminal indictments, including charges related to narco-terrorism and international drug trafficking.
Maduro was reportedly flown to the United States under heavy security and is expected to appear before a federal court in New York, according to U.S. officials familiar with the operation.
This marks the first time in modern history that a sitting Latin American president has been arrested by U.S. forces and brought onto American soil.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said the arrest was “lawful, necessary, and long overdue,” accusing Maduro of turning Venezuela into a “criminal state protected by intimidation and cartels.”
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Senior U.S. officials insist the operation was carried out under sealed indictments issued years ago and coordinated with select international partners.
The arrest has triggered immediate international backlash. Venezuela’s government condemned the action as an “illegal kidnapping” and announced it no longer recognizes U.S. diplomatic authority. Several Latin American governments warned that the move sets a dangerous precedent.
China, Russia, and multiple Global South nations called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, citing concerns over sovereignty and international law. Markets reacted swiftly. Oil prices spiked on fears of instability, while investors reassessed geopolitical risk across Latin America.
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According to international law expert Dr. Helena Morris, “This is a watershed moment. The legality will be argued for years, but the political consequences are immediate and irreversible.”
Security analysts say Trump’s move consolidates his image as a high-risk, high-impact leader, willing to bypass diplomatic norms to assert American dominance.
From a governance lens, Venezuela now enters a power vacuum phase, with potential military and civilian leadership struggles likely in the coming days.
