U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured during a U.S.-led operation in b, according to statements released early Saturday, January 3, 2026.
The President made the announcement through his Truth Social account, prompting the White House to later confirm that an operation involving U.S. forces had taken place in Venezuela during the early morning hours. The development follows what was described as a large-scale military and security action carried out in the Venezuelan capital.
Donald Trump captures Nicolás Maduro
According to information shared by U.S. officials, the operation resulted in Maduro and his wife being taken into custody by American forces. The statements also indicated that Maduro was subsequently removed from Venezuelan territory, though details regarding his current location were not immediately disclosed.
The White House acknowledged that U.S. law enforcement agencies were involved in the operation and said additional information would be released as the situation develops. Officials characterized the action as part of broader efforts targeting Maduro, who has been accused by U.S. authorities of leading the so-called Cartel de los Soles, an organization Washington has linked to international drug trafficking.
While no further operational details were immediately available, the White House announced plans to hold a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in the coming hours. The briefing is expected to address the circumstances surrounding the alleged capture, the scope of U.S. involvement, and the legal framework under which the operation was conducted.
The announcement has generated immediate international attention, given Maduro’s long-standing role as Venezuela’s head of state and the tense relationship between Caracas and Washington. Global leaders and international organizations had not yet issued formal reactions at the time of publication, as governments awaited official clarification from U.S. authorities.
As details remain limited, the situation continues to unfold, with questions surrounding verification, international legality, and the potential political and diplomatic repercussions of the operation.
