Venezuelans Fear For Democracy After Trump Calls Himself “Acting President”

When Venezuelans woke up to see Donald Trump calling himself the “acting president of Venezuela”, many felt the same sinking feeling they have grown used to over the past decade. Confusion. Anger. And a deep, familiar fear about what comes next.

The claim did not come through a press conference or diplomatic channel. Instead, it appeared as a mock Wikipedia page shared by Trump on his Truth Social account. But in a country already reeling from years of political upheaval, the symbolism mattered. A lot.

For many Venezuelans, this was not just another provocative post. It felt like a warning sign.

A Country Already On Edge

Venezuela’s political landscape has been unstable for years, but tensions escalated sharply earlier this month when President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were extracted from the country during a US-backed operation. The move exposed just how limited the Venezuelan military’s capacity is when faced with American power.

According to Raul Stolk, director of the Caracas Chronicles website, the operation laid bare a harsh reality. The Venezuelan military is in no position to confront the United States.

Speaking from Miami, Stolk said the situation inside Venezuela has shifted rapidly from security concerns to oil negotiations and now, increasingly, to political prisoners.

Political Prisoners And Quiet Bargains

Over the past week, the Venezuelan government announced the release of a small number of political prisoners, describing it as a “gesture for peace”. But few inside the country believe it was voluntary.

“There are nearly 1,000 political prisoners in Venezuela,” Stolk explained. “People expected hundreds to be released. So far, it’s only been about 18.”

On social media, Venezuelans have questioned why the process has slowed. Some believe bureaucratic delays are to blame. Others suspect deliberate stalling by powerful figures within the security apparatus, possibly to undermine improving relations with Washington.

What is clear is that the releases appear closely linked to US demands.

Oil First, Democracy Later

On oil policy, Stolk says the Venezuelan authorities have largely complied with US requests. For ordinary Venezuelans, this has not triggered much outrage.

Years of corruption mean most citizens never saw the benefits of the country’s vast oil wealth anyway.

But democracy is another matter.

Many Venezuelans say the real heartbreak came in 2024, when opposition leader Edmundo González won an election that was widely seen as stolen. Instead of González being sworn in, Maduro’s ally Delcy Rodríguez now serves as interim president.

Against that backdrop, Trump’s “acting president” claim has landed badly.

“This Is Not What We Voted For”

On Venezuelan X and Instagram feeds, reactions have ranged from disbelief to fury. Some users joked darkly about waking up under yet another unelected leader. Others expressed fear that Venezuela’s future is being decided entirely outside its borders.

“This is not what we voted for,” one Caracas-based activist wrote. “We wanted democracy, not a handover between superpowers.”

Radio call-ins and WhatsApp voice notes shared across communities echo the same concern. Venezuelans are not focused on oil contracts or diplomatic games. They are worried about self-determination.

A Dangerous Signal

Stolk believes Trump’s message was not accidental. In his view, it sends a blunt warning to the remaining figures in Maduro’s regime.

Either cooperate, or expect further intervention.

For a population exhausted by sanctions, shortages, and political betrayal, the idea that their presidency could become a social media punchline is deeply unsettling.

As one Venezuelan commentator put it online, “We are tired of being ruled by people we did not choose, whether they speak Spanish or English.”

For now, Venezuela waits. Watching. Hoping that the next announcement about its future does not come in the form of another viral post.

{Source:EWN}

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