• Trump claims the U.S. is "in charge" of Venezuela after a military operation captured Maduro.
• Maduro and his wife are facing federal drug trafficking charges in the U.S.
• Delcy Rodriguez, named acting president, seeks a cooperative relationship with the U.S.
• Trump alludes to future U.S. involvement in Venezuela's oil infrastructure.
• The situation has sparked significant political debate within the U.S. Congress.

President Donald Trump declared on January 4 that the United States is "in charge" of Venezuela following a military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump emphasized the need for total access to Venezuela's oil and infrastructure to rebuild the country. He warned that acting President Delcy Rodriguez, appointed following the operation, could face severe consequences if she does not cooperate with U.S. demands regarding oil access and political reform, stating: “We’re in charge” and “we need total access,” according to Le Monde and AA.

The operation to capture Maduro was significant and has led to a spike in tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. Trump indicated that he intends for the U.S. to "run" the country, raising eyebrows among both supporters and critics. Lawmakers in Congress are anxious for more details on the administration's plans for Venezuela and are questioning whether this situation necessitates a long-term U.S. military presence in the region. At a press conference, Trump noted, “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” according to The Hill.

Maduro and his wife are currently detained in New York, facing charges of drug trafficking and connections to terrorist organizations. Following the military operation, which left a rising death toll, the U.S. faces scrutiny over its role in ousting a foreign leader. Reports indicate that about 80 people may have died during the operation, with a majority believed to be Cuban members of Maduro’s security detail, according to Le Monde and AA.

Trump's assertions about U.S. control have triggered diverse reactions, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarifying that the U.S. is not pursuing regime change but rather an oil embargo. However, Trump's insistence on running Venezuela has left many lawmakers perplexed about the administration's strategy and long-term plans, especially with the Senate set to discuss a war powers resolution to limit Trump's actions, according to The Hill.

Rodriguez, while initially criticizing the U.S. actions, later expressed a willingness to work cooperatively with the Trump administration. In her statement, she emphasized the need for a "balanced and respectful" relationship going forward, contrasting with Trump’s more confrontational stance. Rodriguez's comments as acting president indicate a potential shift towards diplomacy, despite the ongoing turmoil and her demands for Maduro’s release, as detailed in Le Monde and The Hill.

As the U.S. government grapples with the implications of this operation, Congress is poised to hold briefings on the situation in Venezuela, where bipartisan concerns about the legality and ramifications of military intervention are prevalent. The administration’s methods have drawn both support and opposition within the political landscape, heightening debates over foreign policy and military engagement, according to AA and The Hill.