Trump shares photo of Venezuelan President Maduro in US Military custody

United States President, Donald Trump, on Saturday posted a photograph allegedly showing Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, in custody aboard a United States naval vessel.

Trump shared the image on his Truth Social platform, writing, “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima,” alongside the photograph, which he claimed was taken hours after US forces apprehended the Venezuelan leader.

In the image released by the US president, Maduro appears blindfolded and handcuffed, dressed in grey Nike-branded sweatpants and a matching jacket. He was also seen wearing what appeared to be noise-cancelling ear muffs while seated inside the naval ship.

The post followed Trump’s earlier claims that US forces carried out a military operation in Venezuela, which he said resulted in the capture and removal of Maduro from the country. The photograph has since sparked widespread international attention and controversy.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from the Pentagon or US defence authorities verifying the circumstances surrounding the image or formally acknowledging the alleged detention. Venezuelan officials have also yet to issue a statement responding directly to the photograph.

The development has further heightened global tension, with observers urging caution as the situation continues to unfold and verified information remains limited.