Trump pulled off one of the most stunning military operations in modern history when U.S. forces captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro Saturday.
Millions of Venezuelans celebrated what they thought was their liberation from tyranny.
But Maduro's loyalists in government just signed something that puts every single one of those celebrating Venezuelans in danger.
Venezuela Orders Nationwide Manhunt Under Emergency Powers
While Maduro sat in a Manhattan courtroom Monday pleading "I am innocent," his cronies back in Venezuela published an emergency decree that reads like something out of a Soviet-era police state.
The order commands police to "immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States."
That includes millions of Venezuelans who've been praying for Maduro's removal for years. Every single one of them is now a target.
The decree was issued Saturday but kept hidden until Monday, giving authorities three days to start rounding people up before anyone knew what was coming.
Nobody knows yet what charges these people will face. The decree doesn't spell that out. Which means Venezuelan security forces have been given blank-check authority to arrest anyone they want and figure out the charges later.
That's not law enforcement. That's a witch hunt with badges.
Delcy Rodríguez Talks Peace While Ordering Arrests
The decree came from the same government now led by interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who just days earlier was making nice-sounding statements about "respectful relations" with the United States.
Rodríguez wrote Sunday that Venezuela wants to "collaborate with us on an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law."
That cooperation apparently includes hunting down and imprisoning anyone who helped end Maduro's narco-terrorist regime.
Trump warned Rodríguez she'd "pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro" if she didn't fall in line. Looks like she decided to test him.
Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president Monday by her brother, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez. She's been Maduro's number two since 2018 and his foreign minister before that. This woman built her entire career protecting the regime.
Now she's got the keys to the country and a state of emergency that gives her sweeping powers to crush dissent.
Trump's Next Move Could Make or Break Venezuela's Future
The Trump administration made clear they're "in charge" of Venezuela and will "run" the country until things stabilize.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Sunday the U.S. doesn't recognize Rodríguez's government as legitimate. That was also Biden's position, though Biden never had the backbone to actually do anything about it.
But Trump backing Rodríguez into a corner with threats while her government simultaneously launches a terror campaign against its own people creates a powder keg situation.
Venezuela's military announced they recognize Rodríguez and urged calm. Translation: the generals who kept Maduro in power for 13 years are still calling the shots.
Trump's got a decision to make. Either force Rodríguez to call off this manhunt and hold real elections within 30 days like Venezuela's constitution requires, or watch her consolidate power using the exact same playbook Maduro used.
The U.S. didn't stage the most daring operation since the bin Laden raid just to replace one dictator with his protégé.
Venezuelans Face Brutal Crackdown For Celebrating Freedom
Reports from Caracas paint a disturbing picture. Armed paramilitary groups known as colectivos are running checkpoints across the city and threatening anyone who looks like they might be celebrating.
At least 14 journalists were briefly detained Monday, most near the National Assembly building where Rodríguez was being sworn in. Eleven worked for foreign outlets. One worked for domestic media.
The message is clear: cover this story and you're next.
Heavy gunfire erupted Monday night near the presidential palace in Caracas. Unidentified drones flew over the capital. The government ordered evacuations of government facilities.
Nobody knows if that was internal fighting between rival factions or something else entirely. What we do know is Venezuela's descending into chaos while Maduro's cronies try to maintain their grip on power.
And every Venezuelan who dared to celebrate their dictator's removal is now looking over their shoulder wondering if security forces are coming for them next.
Trump said Sunday the U.S. is "ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to." Rodríguez better be paying attention.
Sources:
- Louis Casiano, "Venezuela orders nationwide manhunt for supporters after Maduro's arrest by US forces," Fox News, January 5, 2026.
- Reuters, "Venezuela orders police to find, arrest anyone involved in supporting U.S. attack," Reuters, January 5, 2026.
- NBC News, "Trump says U.S. is 'in charge' of Venezuela and warns interim leader to cooperate," NBC News, January 4, 2026.
- Al Jazeera, "'I'm still president,' says Venezuela's abducted leader Maduro in NYC court," Al Jazeera, January 5, 2026.
- Associated Press via PBS, "Live Updates: Removed Venezuelan leader Maduro makes first appearance in U.S. court after capture," PBS NewsHour, January 5, 2026.
