On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump humorously speculated about the possibility of running for president of Venezuela once his current term concludes, claiming he could swiftly pick up Spanish without much effort.
"I'm leading in the polls more than anyone in Venezuela's history. So, after I'm done here, I might head to Venezuela, quickly learn Spanish, won't take me long, I'm good with languages, and I'll run for president," Trump declared during a public appearance.
He later clarified his statement, expressing satisfaction with the current Venezuelan leader, Delcy Rodríguez, and stated, "We are very pleased with the current elected president they have now, with the people in charge."
This isn't the first instance of Trump making such remarks about Venezuela. Back in March, he had made similar jocular comments: "I'm the most supported person in the polls. After the presidency, I could head to Venezuela and run against Delcy. They like me in Venezuela."
The Popularity Factor
Trump's comments are supported by concrete data. A survey by The Economist conducted by Premise in January 2026, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, ranked the U.S. president as the most popular figure in Venezuela, surpassing other prominent figures like Marco Rubio, María Corina Machado, and Edmundo González Urrutia.
Operation and Influence
These statements come amid an unprecedented level of U.S. influence over Caracas. On January 3, 2026, U.S. special forces captured Maduro in Caracas during the operation labeled "Resolution Absolute." Just two days afterward, Delcy Rodríguez was appointed interim president through a swift Supreme Court decision citing the "forced absence" of the former leader.
Since that pivotal moment, the relationship between Trump and Rodríguez has been notably positive. Trump has praised her as "a fantastic person," and the U.S. government officially recognized her as Venezuela's legitimate authority. The same day, Trump announced a $165 million mining deal for gold exploitation by American companies in Venezuela.
Political Shifts and Future Elections
Earlier in the month, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) lifted sanctions against Rodríguez, removing her from the Specially Designated Nationals List. Despite these political changes, Venezuela remains without a scheduled election date. Three months after Maduro's capture, sources close to the process suggest that elections will be called "when the U.S. government orders it," according to reports published on Sunday.
FAQs on Trump's Influence in Venezuela
Why did Trump joke about running for president in Venezuela?
Trump humorously mentioned running for Venezuelan presidency to highlight his popularity in the country and his confidence in quickly learning Spanish.
What impact does Trump's relationship with Delcy Rodríguez have?
Trump's positive relationship with Delcy Rodríguez has led to formal U.S. recognition of her authority and eased sanctions, fostering closer diplomatic and economic ties.