In a remarkable exchange that has sparked widespread debate, a senior aide to former President Donald Trump appeared to assert unprecedented American control over a sovereign nation. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller suggested the United States is now effectively "running Venezuela," during a pointed interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins.
A Startling Claim and Deflective Answers
The incident, which unfolded on January 7, 2026, saw journalist Kaitlan Collins press Miller repeatedly on the nature of US involvement in the South American country. The query followed the controversial capture and extradition of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the Trump administration. When asked to clarify what "running Venezuela" entailed and what his own role in the process was, Miller notably avoided giving concrete details.
Instead of outlining day-to-day responsibilities or policy specifics, the Trump aide deflected. He pointed towards Secretary of State Marco Rubio, shifting the focus without providing a clear explanation of the operational mechanics behind the bold claim. This evasion left more questions than answers about the actual extent and method of US oversight in Caracas.
The Broader Context of US-Venezuela Relations
Miller's comments did not occur in a vacuum. They come amid a series of aggressive foreign policy moves by the Trump administration targeting Venezuela. The US has recently dropped the 'drug kingpin' charge against Maduro that was initially used to justify his capture. Furthermore, Maduro's wife appeared bruised in a court hearing, with the ousted leader declaring himself a "prisoner of war."
Simultaneously, the administration is facing internal and external pressure. Democratic lawmakers have ramped up calls for impeachment, citing these actions, while allies of Maduro warn that Venezuela "won't survive without oil" as Trump signals potential further intervention in the region. The situation has also drawn sharp criticism from global powers like China, which has accused the US of "acting like world cop."
Implications and Unanswered Questions
The vague yet powerful statement by a top White House official raises significant legal, diplomatic, and ethical concerns. Claiming to "run" another country challenges international norms regarding sovereignty and self-determination. The lack of transparency about how this control is exercised, and by which US entities, creates a shadow over the administration's foreign policy objectives.
Observers are left to wonder about the practical realities on the ground. Does "running" Venezuela imply direct governance, control of oil resources, or military oversight? Miller's laughter and deflection during the interview, captured in the viral video, suggest a deliberate strategy to avoid scrutiny on a potentially explosive policy. As the world watches, the true meaning and consequences of this claimed authority remain dangerously unclear.
