Trump news at a glance: Republicans backpedal on claims US will ‘run’ Venezuela

Trump has called on Venezuela's interim leader to adhere to US demands as top Republicans scramble to answer questions about what happens next - key US politics stories from 4 January 2026

Proclaiming the US would run" Venezuela after abducting its president and his wife, president Trump has now qualified his claim. Amid questions, including from top Republicans, Trump has now called on Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, to accommodate US demands or face the possibility of a fresh military intervention.

Rodriguez, 56, who had on Saturday pledged fealty to ousted president Nicolas Maduro and condemned his capture as an atrocity", appears to be adhering to the US line.