President Donald Trump has taken unprecedented steps in Venezuela, overseeing the capture of Nicolás Maduro and declaring himself the country's 'acting' president. Trump has indicated that United States involvement in Venezuela will be long-term, potentially lasting well over a year, and has announced plans for the United States to receive and sell millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil. The administration frames these actions as both a law enforcement and economic rebuilding effort, with Trump promising to make Venezuela profitable and stabilize oil prices.

The move has sparked debate in Washington, with critics warning of a new prolonged conflict reminiscent of previous United States interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. While no United States troops are currently on the ground in Venezuela, Congress is considering measures to restrict military involvement without explicit approval. The legality and long-term implications of the operation remain contentious, as lawmakers and experts question the administration's strategy and its potential to entangle the United States in another complex foreign conflict.