A digitally altered image shared by U.S. President Donald Trump falsely labels him as the &ldquo;Acting President of Venezuela,&rdquo; fueling confusion amid intense international debate following the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro and his wife. The manipulated graphic appeared on social media and featured a fake Wikipedia-style page with Trump&rsquo;s portrait and the fictional title, misleading users about his role in Venezuela&rsquo;s leadership. The image is not based on any real political authority or official confirmation.
The political situation in Venezuela has grown increasingly complex since a U.S. military operation early in January resulted in Maduro&rsquo;s detention and transfer to the United States, where he faces federal drug trafficking and narcotics charges. His arrest has drawn widespread global attention and concern over the legality and consequences of foreign military involvement.
In the aftermath of the operation, the Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice invoked constitutional provisions to appoint Vice President Delcy Rodr&iacute;guez as the country&rsquo;s interim president, ensuring continuity of governance within Venezuela&rsquo;s legal framework. Her leadership is recognised domestically, and efforts to maintain institutional stability continue amid the ongoing crisis.
While Trump suggested U.S. involvement in Venezuela&rsquo;s transitional period, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have clarified that the United States does not intend to directly govern the country, emphasising a focus on stabilising conditions and preventing further escalations.
The circulation of AI-generated and manipulated media has been widespread since the announcement of Maduro&rsquo;s capture, with several images and videos misrepresenting actual events. Experts warn that misinformation can spread rapidly on social platforms, underscoring the need for verification before sharing visual content related to geopolitical events.
The situation remains fluid in Venezuela and internationally, with diplomatic, legal and political debates ongoing as world leaders respond to the developments.

False viral image misrepresents leadership after Maduro’s capture and global controversy

Trump Image Claim Sparks Venezuela Presidency Myth

False viral image misrepresents leadership after Maduro’s capture and global controversy

January 12, 2026 | 15:35 IST