US Stages Venezuelan Presidential Capture, Swears Oil Isn't the Reason
KEY POINTS
- â˘On January 5, Donald Trump authorized a military attack to capture Venezuela's President NicolĂĄs Maduro, now appearing in US court.
- â˘Numerous countries condemned the US operation calling it a 'crime of aggression,' while Maduro pleaded not guilty.
- â˘UK Home Office Minister Mike Tapp declined to confirm if Venezuela's oil wealth motivated the attack, instead redirecting questions to Trump.
On January 5, 2026, former US President Donald Trump escalated geopolitical drama by orchestrating a military attack to capture Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, who promptly appeared in a US court pleading not guilty. International condemnation rained down with complaints labeling the raid a 'crime of aggression.' Meanwhile, UK Home Office Minister Mike Tapp dodged speculation on whether Venezuela's 'rich oil reserves' influenced the US, saying, 'This is for Donald Trump to answer,' while sincerely trying to keep the optics clean. Maduroâs deputy, Delcy RodrĂguez, took a surprisingly conciliatory tone post-capture, possibly eyeing calmer waters or a Netflix deal. The situation reads like a geopolitical soap opera with extra crude.
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When you invade a country, get called out globally, but insist 'this is for Donald Trump to answer' like itâs some cryptic riddle only he holds. Oil? Never heard of her.
Nothing says 'respect sovereignty' like a surprise military guest appearance starring Donald Trump as the ultimate party crasher.
UK minister Mike Tappâs masterclass in deflection: 'Trump will answer'âtranslation: 'Iâm on mute for oil questions.'
Source: Theguardian | Published: 1/6/2026 | Author: Robert Mackey (now); AbenĂŠ Clayton, Shrai Popat, Anna Betts, Yohannes Lowe, Vicky Graham and Adam Fulton (earlier)
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