Venezuela’s vice president has demanded immediate proof of life after Donald Trump claimed the United States had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife during what he described as a “large-scale strike” against the country.
The extraordinary claim, made directly by Trump on his Truth Social platform early Saturday, has triggered international shock, confusion, and sharp condemnation from Caracas, as Venezuelan officials say they do not know the whereabouts of their president.
President Donald Trump speaks during a public appearance as tensions escalate with Venezuela
Trump Claims ‘Large-Scale Strike’ Was Successful
In a Truth Social post published in the early hours of January 3, Trump said the United States had carried out a major military operation targeting Venezuela and its leadership.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump wrote.
He added that the operation was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement” and said further details would be provided at a news conference scheduled for later in the day at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
Trump’s statement came after videos circulated on social media purporting to show explosions and strikes in Caracas during the early morning hours.
Explosions reported over Caracas as videos circulate online
Venezuela Demands ‘Immediate Proof of Life’
Following Trump’s claim, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government had no confirmation of Maduro’s location and demanded that the United States provide immediate proof that both he and his wife, Cilia Flores, are alive.
In a statement released by the Venezuelan government, Rodríguez said the lack of information amounted to an extremely serious situation and accused Washington of carrying out an act of aggression against a sovereign nation.
Caracas has rejected Trump’s claims and accused the U.S. of attempting to destabilize the country through force and misinformation.
Military Mobilization Ordered
Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López addressed the nation shortly after the claims emerged, calling for unity and resistance in what he described as the “worst aggression” Venezuela has ever faced.
Speaking in Spanish in a video address, Padrino López said the armed forces were acting under Maduro’s standing orders and that all military units were being deployed.
“They’ve attacked us, but they will not subdue us,” he said, urging Venezuelans to remain united.
The government has not confirmed Trump’s account of Maduro’s capture, and officials have instead framed the situation as an external assault on Venezuelan sovereignty.
Venezuelan military personnel on alert following reports of U.S. strikes
Unprecedented Claims of a Head of State’s Capture
Reports circulating online suggested that elite U.S. forces may have been involved in removing Maduro from the country, an allegation that, if true, would represent an unprecedented action against a sitting head of state in South America.
No independent evidence has been provided to support those claims, and neither the White House nor the U.S. Department of Defense has issued a formal confirmation.
Security analysts note that the capture and removal of a foreign president would normally involve visible international coordination, formal legal processes, or public acknowledgment by multiple government agencies.
Venezuela Condemns ‘Extremely Serious Military Aggression’
In a separate statement, the Venezuelan government said it “rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current Government of the United States of America.”
Officials accused Washington of violating international law and warned that the alleged operation could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.
State media in Venezuela framed Trump’s claim as psychological warfare and urged citizens to remain calm while authorities assess the situation.
Long-Running Tensions Between the U.S. and Venezuela
Relations between Washington and Caracas have been strained for years, with Trump repeatedly accusing Maduro’s government of corruption, drug trafficking, and authoritarianism.
Tensions intensified last year after Trump warned Venezuela over attacks on boats in international waters, which the U.S. claimed were linked to narcotics trafficking operations.
Since September 2, the U.S. has acknowledged using force in maritime operations targeting suspected drug boats, resulting in more than 110 deaths, according to administration statements. Those actions have been sharply criticized by Venezuelan officials and human rights observers.
Global Uncertainty as Claims Remain Unverified
As of now, Trump’s statement remains the only source asserting that Maduro and his wife have been captured and removed from Venezuela. No images, videos, or official documentation have been released to substantiate the claim.
International observers say the coming hours will be critical in determining whether Trump’s announcement reflects a real military operation, a misunderstanding, or a dramatic escalation in rhetoric.
If confirmed, the capture of a sitting foreign leader by U.S. forces would represent a seismic shift in U.S.–Latin America relations and raise profound legal and geopolitical questions.
For now, Venezuela is demanding answers — and the world is waiting to see whether proof follows one of the most explosive claims of Trump’s presidency.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
