Apple News Today What’s next after Trump vows to “run” Venezuela
Jan 5, 2026
Jon Lee Anderson, a seasoned Staff writer at The New Yorker known for his expertise on Latin America, dives into the significant political upheaval in Venezuela. He discusses the implications of Trump’s intention to 'run' Venezuela and critiques the sidelining of opposition leader María Corina Machado in favor of interim president Delcy Rodríguez. Anderson also explores the historical governance failures under Maduro and the mixed reactions of the Venezuelan public to these rapid changes, questioning U.S. motives behind its intervention.
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U.S. Strike Removed Maduro Overnight
- The U.S. used a Special Forces raid to depose Nicolás Maduro and brought him to face trial in New York on narco-terrorism charges.
- The operation bypassed congressional approval and raised major legal and geopolitical questions about U.S. action in Venezuela.
Trump Says U.S. Will 'Run' Venezuela
- President Trump said the U.S. will "run" Venezuela until a transition occurs and keep military options open, including ground troops.
- Secretary Marco Rubio framed control of Venezuelan oil as preventing adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran from gaining influence.
Rodríguez Installed As Interim Leader
- Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president in a secret ceremony and initially rejected U.S. claims while later inviting cooperation.
- The U.S. backing of Rodríguez sidelines opposition leader María Corina Machado and complicates internal politics.
