Photos of Venezuela the day after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro
A tense calm held in Venezuela on Sunday, a day after President Nicolas Maduro was deposed and captured in an American military operation.
Pro-government armed civilians attend a protest demanding the release of President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores, the day after U.S. forces captured and flew them to the United States, in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A government supporters displays a U.S. flag in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A government supporter holds an action figure of Super Bigote during a protest demanding the release of President Nicolas Maduro, who was captired by U.S. forces, in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A government supporter holds a banner for President Nicolas Maduro during a protest demanding his release, after U.S. forces captured and flew him to the United States, in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Government supporters demand President Nicolas Maduro's release from U.S. custody during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A government supporter wears a hat with dolls from the TV program, Super Bigote, based on President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores, during a protest demanding their release from U.S. custody, in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Jesus Linares, right, removes a painting of independence hero Simon Bolivar at his home, which he says was hit during U.S. military operations to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Pedestrians stand in a square decorated with images of the eyes of former President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
A woman buys eggs at a market in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Pro-government armed civilians stop motorcyclists in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Dressle Perez removes twisted metal from a damaged apartment complex that residents say was hit during U.S. strikes to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.(AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
A pedestrian walks past a mural of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
A soldier stands atop an armored vehicle on the highway leading from the international airport toward Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Residents look at a damaged apartment complex that neighbors say was hit during U.S. strikes to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
The capture of Nicolás Maduro has intensified fears that global norms against the use of force are unraveling.
President Trump promised that “America First” would stand against more foreign entanglements. Yet he's intervened with force and without congressional approval in a new frontier: Venezuela.
Venezuelans digesting news of the U.S.'s capture of former President Nicolás Maduro are hearing promises of future economic prowess even as they live through the crippling economic realities of today.
Trump confirmed later on social media that Machado had left the medal for him to keep, and he said it was an honor to meet her.