Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, reiterated on Monday that she remains at the head of the Venezuelan Executive, after the president of the United States, Donald Trump, published on Truth Social a manipulated image of his Wikipedia profile in which he was attributed the position of “interim president of Venezuela” as of January 2026. The publication generated confusion and controversy in networks, although no change was reflected on the official Wikipedia page, which continues to identify Trump as President of the United States.
During a broadcast of the state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Rodríguez rejected the image broadcast and defended the sovereignty of the South American country, without directly mentioning the U.S. president. “From here we ratify and reaffirm the sovereignty and independence of Venezuela. I have seen caricatures on Wikipedia of who is in charge in Venezuela. Here there is a government in charge in Venezuela”, he expressed.
Trump, president of Venezuela?
Delcy Rodriguez stressed that there is an acting authority in Venezuela and reiterated her role as acting president.
This in a political context marked by the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, together with his wife, Congresswoman Cilia Flores, during an operation carried out by the United States in Caracas.
Since then, the Venezuelan government has described Maduro as a “hostage” in U.S. territory and has denounced what happened as a violation of national sovereignty.
In her message, the official insisted that her administration seeks to advance in international relations “of respect” and within the framework of international legality.
“We advance in international relations of respect, to vindicate and protect the rights of our beloved Venezuela,” he said.
The publication of the image attributed to Trump adds to other episodes in which the U.S. president has shared manipulated or AI-generated content, usually for political or controversial purposes.
In this case, the image was disseminated on social networks, but had no official backing or practical effects in the diplomatic or institutional sphere.
A day earlier, Trump assured that he hopes to visit Venezuela and meet with Delcy Rodriguez “at some point”.
He stated that the United States “is getting along very well with the leadership” of the country after Maduro’s capture.
These statements come amidst a scenario of high political tension between Washington and Caracas, with repercussions that are being closely followed by millions of Venezuelans inside and outside the country.
