US President Donald Trump has caused a storm online after posting an image on his social media platform Truth Social depicting himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” beginning January 2026. The graphic — styled like an edited Wikipedia-style profile — also lists him as both the 45th and 47th President of the United States and includes his official portrait alongside the unusual designation.
The post, shared on Sunday, labeled Trump as “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026,” drawing immediate global attention and widespread debate about its meaning and legitimacy.
Trump’s unusual claim comes amid significant political developments in Venezuela, including US military action that reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s interim president earlier this month.
There is no official legal or constitutional basis for Trump’s self-designation, and the image appears to be a digitally altered or symbolic post rather than an internationally recognised title. Experts and media organisations have described the post as provocative and symbolic, not grounded in formal recognition by Venezuela, the United States, or international bodies.
The post has ignited discussion on international norms, national sovereignty, and the evolving geopolitical situation in Venezuela, with many observers noting the sensitivity of messaging from a sitting US president regarding another sovereign nation’s leadership.
As of now, there has been no official response from Venezuelan authorities regarding the claim, and foreign governments have not recognised Trump in any capacity beyond his role as US president.