Chaos is unfolding.
Venezuela has been thrown into chaos following a dramatic U.S.-led operation that resulted in the arrest of longtime authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro—a move ordered under President Donald Trump as part of an aggressive crackdown on narco-terrorism.
In response, Venezuelan authorities have issued an emergency decree ordering security forces to hunt down and arrest anyone accused of assisting or supporting the U.S. military operation. The decree, signed Saturday and released publicly on Monday, commands police to immediately launch a nationwide search targeting individuals allegedly connected to what the regime calls an “armed attack” backed by the United States, according to Reuters.
So far, officials have not specified what criminal charges detainees may face—raising serious concerns about political retaliation, civil liberties, and the collapse of due process inside the socialist-run nation.
Maduro Faces U.S. Justice
While Venezuela scrambles internally, Maduro appeared Monday in federal court in New York, just days after he and his wife were taken into custody by U.S. forces over the weekend.
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Maduro with narco-terrorism, along with multiple offenses tied to international drug trafficking and organized crime. American prosecutors allege his regime played a central role in flooding the United States with illegal narcotics while enriching top officials.
During the court proceeding, Maduro denied all allegations, declaring, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is written here,” as the charges were read aloud.
Power Shift in Caracas
With Maduro removed from power, Venezuela’s government moved quickly to install an interim leader. Delcy Rodríguez, 56, was sworn in as acting president. Rodríguez has long been one of Maduro’s closest political allies and served as vice president from 2018 until this week.
Despite publicly condemning the U.S. military operation, Rodríguez struck a more measured tone in a social media post released Sunday, signaling an interest in easing tensions with Washington.
She stated that Venezuela seeks “balanced and respectful” international relations and invited cooperation with the United States under international law.
“We invite the U.S. government to collaborate on an agenda of cooperation focused on shared development and long-term coexistence,” Rodríguez wrote.
Trump’s Hardline Strategy Takes Center Stage
The unfolding events underscore President Trump’s uncompromising stance against hostile regimes tied to drug trafficking, corruption, and anti-American activity. Supporters say the operation sends a clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate narco-states undermining regional stability and threatening American communities.
As Venezuela faces an uncertain future, the situation marks one of the most significant geopolitical developments in years—and a defining moment in Trump’s foreign policy legacy.
Global leaders, financial markets, and millions of Venezuelans are now watching closely as events continue to unfold.
