US President Donald Trump posted an image on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday labeling himself as “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026,” alongside his official portrait and his title as the 45th and 47th President of the United States. The unusual declaration came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas following recent actions in the South American nation.

The post follows a US military operation earlier this month that reportedly captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were flown to New York and indicted on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, according to multiple reports. Trump has stated that the United States plans to oversee Venezuela “until a safe, proper and judicious transition” can take place, and has linked the effort to control Venezuelan oil revenues, pledging to manage proceeds for the benefit of both countries.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez was formally sworn in as the country’s interim president last week, highlighting competing claims to leadership in the nation. The Truth Social post has sparked widespread discussion and scrutiny, as no official government or international authority recognizes Trump as Venezuela’s acting head of state.