Despite dramatic statements from US President Donald Trump suggesting that Washington will “run” Venezuela following the detention of Nicolás Maduro in New York, the reality on the ground remains unchanged: power in Caracas is still firmly in the hands of Maduro’s allies, not the United States.

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, is not a peripheral figure but a long-standing and influential member of Maduro’s inner circle of loyalists. Her position was formalised through a swearing-in by the Supreme Court, an institution widely regarded as loyal to Maduro’s political movement and dominated by his supporters. This process underscores the fact that Venezuela’s governing structures continue to operate under the control of those aligned with the former president.

It is therefore important to emphasise that, notwithstanding Trump’s rhetoric, the US does not currently exercise direct authority over Venezuela. Rodríguez and other Maduro allies remain in charge of state institutions and decision-making. While Rodríguez has publicly stated that Venezuela would defend itself against external pressure, Trump has hinted that cooperation could still emerge, particularly in areas of strategic interest such as increased US access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

At present, US influence is not being exerted through military deployment. There are no American troops on Venezuelan soil, although Trump has not ruled out that possibility in the future. Instead, Washington appears to be relying on a different and highly symbolic form of leverage. The image of Maduro being taken into US custody and held in a New York detention centre has been presented as a powerful signal to those who remain loyal to him.

For Maduro’s allies, the message is clear. They are likely to be acutely aware that they, too, could face legal and political consequences if they resist US demands. While they retain formal control of the Venezuelan state, questions inevitably arise about how much freedom they feel they have to openly defy Washington’s pressure. On paper, authority remains theirs; in practice, the psychological impact of Maduro’s detention may weigh heavily on their calculations.

Maduro himself has been charged by US authorities with a range of serious offences, including “narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States”. Summarising these allegations, President Trump described them as evidence of Maduro’s “campaign of deadly narco-terrorism” directed at the US and its citizens.

Maduro has consistently denied the accusations, rejecting claims that he led or coordinated a drug cartel.

US President Donald Trump has issued a firm warning to Iran’s leadership over its handling of ongoing protests, saying the United States would not stand by if peaceful demonstrators were violently targeted. His remarks have drawn sharp responses from senior Iranian officials, even as international concern grows over the situation on the ground.

In a brief message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump cautioned Iran’s authorities against using lethal force on protesters. “We are locked and loaded and ready to go,” he wrote, without elaborating on what form any potential US response might take. The statement underscored Washington’s stated support for the rights of peaceful protesters and added to the mounting diplomatic pressure on Tehran.

The warning came amid reports that at least six people were killed on Thursday, as protests entered nearly a week of demonstrations across the country. The unrest has been driven largely by worsening economic conditions, including rising prices and broader frustrations over livelihoods. Despite the tensions, protests have continued to draw attention from the international community, with calls for restraint and dialogue increasing.

In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, fulfilling a key campaign promise and advancing a long-standing goal of some conservative leaders. The move is designed to redirect funding and decision-making power to individual states, emphasizing local control over education.

During the signing ceremony at the White House, Trump highlighted the importance of streamlining government operations and ensuring that resources are used effectively to improve student outcomes. Surrounded by students, he stated, “The US spends more on education than most countries, yet our students’ performance does not reflect that investment. It’s time to empower states and communities to make the best decisions for their schools.”

The Department of Education, established in 1979, primarily oversees student loans and federal programs for low-income students. While only about 13% of primary and secondary school funding comes from federal sources, the administration believes that decentralizing control will allow for more targeted and effective educational strategies.

A Focus on Transition and Continuity

The executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take necessary steps to transfer authority to state and local governments while ensuring a smooth transition that maintains critical services. The White House emphasized that no immediate disruptions would occur in educational support programs.

McMahon reassured department employees in a memo, stating, “This is our opportunity to perform one final, unforgettable public service to future generations of students. Our mission is to leave American education stronger, freer, and more hopeful.”

Challenges and Next Steps

While Trump’s order sets the stage for significant change, fully closing the department would require congressional approval. Senator Bill Cassidy has already announced plans to introduce legislation supporting the effort, though it faces hurdles in the Senate. Meanwhile, the administration is expected to reduce the department’s funding and reassign certain programs to other federal agencies, ensuring an efficient allocation of resources.

As the administration moves forward with its education reforms, the focus remains on strengthening opportunities for students, reducing bureaucracy, and ensuring states have greater control over their educational systems. The coming months will determine how these changes unfold and what impact they will have on the future of American education.