WORLD Donald Trump said the US will run Venezuela indefinitely after Nicolás Maduro’s capture, overseeing a future transition and placing US oil companies in control of energy infrastructure. He praised a covert military operation, saying Caracas was darkened and no US troops or equipment were lost. Monica Singh Updated : Jan 04, 2026, 07:53 AM IST Former US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States would assume direct control over Venezuela for an unspecified period after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, arguing that an extended presence was necessary to ensure stability and prevent a return to past political turmoil.