US President Donald Trump (C-R), accompanied by US senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington, DC, January 4, 2026. JIM WATSON / AFP
President Donald Trump insisted on Sunday, January 4, that the United States is "in charge" of Venezuela after the seizure of Nicolas Maduro, but was also dealing with the new leadership in Caracas.
Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez said at the same time that she was ready to work together with the Trump administration, asking the US leader for a balanced, respectful relationship.
Trump has faced searching questions over his repeated assertions that Washington is now running Venezuela following the US military operation that spirited away Maduro and his wife before dawn on Saturday.
The deposed Maduro is due to appear in a New York court on Monday to face federal narcotrafficking charges.
