No credible evidence supports claims that President Donald Trump personally kidnapped anyone. Recent reports from early January 2026 detail U.S. military airstrikes in Caracas, Venezuela, followed by the announced capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were reportedly taken into U.S. custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima en route to New York for narco-terrorism charges.

Event Details

U.S. forces conducted strikes on January 3, 2026, targeting military sites like Fuerte Tiuna, where Maduro was allegedly seized by special operations teams. Trump described it on Truth Social as a "successful large scale strike," with Attorney General Pam Bondi confirming indictments in New York's Southern District. Venezuelan officials, including Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, labeled it a "kidnapping" and demanded proof of life.

Perspectives

  • U.S. View : Framed as lawful arrest to counter narco-terrorism; Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited protection of personnel under Article II authority.
  • Venezuelan Stance : Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez vowed resistance, calling it unprovoked aggression amid oil disputes.
  • Critics : Lawmakers like Rep. Yvette Clarke decried it as unconstitutional without Congress; experts cite violations of UN Charter and international law. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed sovereignty concerns.

Broader Context

This escalates prior U.S.-Venezuela tensions, including boat strikes and oil seizures. Older reports reference Trump's immigration policies involving Venezuelan detentions, but no direct "kidnapping" by him. World leaders widely condemned the action as imperialistic.

TL;DR : No personal kidnappings by Trump; latest news centers on Maduro's military capture amid controversy.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.