Former US President Donald Trump has provocatively inserted himself into Venezuelan politics, sharing a fabricated image that declared him the nation's 'Acting President.' The move comes as he aggressively pursues a controversial plan to unlock the country's vast oil wealth.
A Social Media Gambit and a Power Play
Over the weekend, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to post a doctored screenshot of a Wikipedia entry. The image falsely listed him as the 'Acting President of Venezuela.' His authentic Wikipedia page carries no such title, indicating the post was made in jest, yet it sent a clear political message.
The gesture underscores Trump's repeated assertions that he intends to 'run' the South American nation. He has specifically threatened interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed power after the deposition of dictator Nicolas Maduro, warning he would remove her if she 'crosses him.' Trump's objective is to gain control over Venezuela's deteriorating oil infrastructure, proposing to sell between 30 and 50 million barrels of its oil, a cache valued at over $2 billion, purportedly to benefit both Venezuelan and US citizens.
Industry Skepticism and Political Backlash
The ambitious plan faces significant hurdles. Trump hosted US oil executives at the White House on Friday, seeking a staggering $100 billion in investment for Venezuela's oil apparatus. However, industry leaders expressed deep reservations. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods stated the country remains 'uninvestable,' citing past asset seizures. Trump later retorted that he disliked Woods' response and was 'probably inclined to keep Exxon out' of any deals.
The political reaction was swift and critical. Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu mocked the venture online, writing: 'Trump sucks at running America. Which is why he also sucks at running Venezuela.' The White House has concurrently advised all American citizens to leave Venezuela, highlighting the precarious situation.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and the Path Forward
Despite the controversy, there are indications that Rodriguez's administration may be acquiescing to Trump's oil sales proposal. In a further diplomatic development, Trump is scheduled to meet this week with Maria Machado, the Nobel Prize-winning Venezuelan opposition leader.
The episode, blending online provocation with high-stakes resource diplomacy, has ignited a fierce debate about the boundaries of foreign influence and the risks of investing in a nation with a volatile political landscape. The coming weeks will reveal whether Trump's bold claims can translate into tangible economic and political outcomes.
