President Donald Trump posted an image of Nicolas Maduro aboard a U.S. warship following the operation in which he was captured along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
"Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima," reads the caption of the image, which shows Maduro with his eyes and ears covered. He also appears to be in handcuffs while holding a bottle of water.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said his administration is deciding what steps to take next with regards to the country. "We're making that decision now. We can't take a change on letting somebody else run it, just take over where he left off. So we're making that decision now," he said.
FOX & FRIENDS: What do you think is next for the Venezuelan people now that you have removed Maduro so he can face American justice?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 3, 2026
TRUMP: Well, we're making that decision now. We can't take a chance on letting somebody else run it, just take over where he left off. So we're… pic.twitter.com/XvIM3fZYrN
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, on her end, said in a statement that it is "time of Popular Sovereignty and National Sovereignty to rule in our country."
"We will have order, release political prisoners, build an exceptional country and bring our sons back home. We have fought for years, we have given it all and it has been worth it. What had to happen is happening," Machado added.
Venezolanos, llegó la hora de la libertad. pic.twitter.com/ehy20V1xm9
— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) January 3, 2026
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