New U.S. chargé d’affaires arrives in Caracas to reopen diplomatic mission one month after American military operation captured Maduro, as interim government announces amnesty bill for political prisoners.
Trump administration approves $16 billion in arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia as tensions rise over potential U.S. military strikes on Iran.
US, Ukraine, and Russia hold first trilateral talks; Zelenskyy calls discussions “constructive” as Russian drones kill and wound dozens during negotiations.
Trump launches “Board of Peace” at Davos with 19 countries after France, Norway, and Sweden declined; says charter allows him to chair “for life” if he chooses.
Netanyahu accepts invitation to Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace,” joining UAE, Belarus, Hungary, Morocco and Canada, as Trump threatens France with 200% wine tariffs for refusing.
France rejects Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace” over concerns it would undermine the United Nations, as the Kremlin confirms Putin has been invited to join.
Trump officials communicated with Venezuela’s Diosdado Cabello for months before and after the Maduro raid, despite his $25 million bounty and narcotics indictment.
Trump’s Board of Peace draft charter grants permanent membership to countries contributing at least $1 billion, with Trump controlling the funds and serving as chairman.
Netanyahu’s office says Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace announcement was not coordinated with Israel and contradicts government policy over Turkey’s inclusion.
U.S. airstrike kills al-Qaeda leader in Syria tied to December ambush that killed two Iowa National Guardsmen and their interpreter.
Trump announces Gaza “Board of Peace” with members from the U.S., U.K., and Canada but no Middle Eastern representatives on the body that will govern Palestinian territory.
Trump announces “Board of Peace” for Gaza, calling it the “Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled,” as Israel continues strikes that killed nine on Thursday.
U.S. forces seize sixth oil tanker enforcing Trump’s naval blockade of Venezuela, one day after completing first $500 million sale of seized Venezuelan crude.
Senate defeats Venezuela war powers resolution 51-50 after two Republicans who supported it last week flipped under Trump pressure, with Vance casting tiebreaker.
US evacuating some personnel from Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base as precaution while Trump weighs military action against Iran.
Military used aircraft painted to look civilian in first Caribbean drug boat attack, a tactic retired Air Force general says could be war crime of “perfidy,” disguising military as civilians.
Trump declares national emergency to shield $2.5 billion in Venezuelan oil revenue from private creditors, with officials saying US will manage sales “indefinitely.”
Trump posts doctored Wikipedia screenshot on Truth Social showing himself as “Acting President of Venezuela” eight days after ordering military capture of Maduro.
Trump threatens Cuba on Truth Social, warning “make a deal before it is too late” after cutting off Venezuelan oil, then shares post suggesting Rubio should be “president of Cuba.”
Trump threatens to block Exxon from Venezuela after CEO told him at White House meeting the country is “uninvestable” without legal reforms.
US forces seize fifth tanker in a month off Venezuela, bringing total captured oil to 6.15 million barrels worth over $300 million.
Trump tells oil executives they have “total safety” to invest $100 billion in Venezuela; ExxonMobil CEO responds country is currently “un-investable” after company’s assets seized twice.
Director of National Intelligence Gabbard was excluded from Venezuela operation planning, posting Hawaii beach photos while cabinet finalized Maduro capture, officials say.
House Oversight votes to subpoena journalist Seth Harp over reporting on Delta Force commander in Venezuela operation, with bipartisan support despite First Amendment concerns.
Trump says he will meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado next week and would accept Nobel Prize she dedicated to him, claiming he ended “eight and a quarter” wars.
Senate advances Venezuela war powers resolution 52-47 after five Republicans break with Trump, who responded they “should never be elected again” as Vance called the law unconstitutional.
US military seizes two oil tankers in North Atlantic and Caribbean, with UK providing support, as Russia condemns action as violation of maritime law.
White House declares US will “dictate” Venezuela’s government decisions as Rubio outlines American plan for the country’s stabilization, oil industry, and political future.
Trump invites Colombian President Petro to White House days after calling him a “sick man who likes making cocaine” and warning he wouldn’t be in power “for very long.”
Russia sends submarine to escort sanctioned oil tanker evading US seizure off Ireland after vessel repelled Coast Guard boarding attempt near Venezuela.
US military raid to capture Maduro killed approximately 75 people including civilians, with 7 American troops injured and 2 still recovering.
Former Trump Russia adviser Fiona Hill says Moscow offered US free rein in Venezuela in 2019 in exchange for free rein in Ukraine.
Trump says Venezuela will hand over up to 50 million barrels of oil, with proceeds “controlled by me,” and invites Chevron, Exxon, ConocoPhillips to White House Friday.
Noem says 600,000 Venezuelans whose temporary protection from deportation she ended can now apply for refugee status after US invaded their country and captured their president.
Trump predicts Cuba “ready to fall,” threatens Colombia’s president won’t be “doing it very long,” promises “second strike” on Venezuela if they “don’t behave.”
Rubio says discussing elections in Venezuela is “premature” because higher priorities, including reinvigorating the oil industry, must be addressed first.
Cuba announces 32 of its military and intelligence officers killed during US raid to capture Maduro, declares two days of national mourning.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court names Delcy Rodríguez interim president as Trump declares US “in charge,” demands “total access” to oil, threatens she’ll “pay a very big price” for defiance.
Trump declares ‘American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again,’ rebrands Monroe Doctrine with his own name hours after seizing Maduro.
New York Times and Washington Post held Venezuela raid story after administration warned reporting could endanger troops, 40 killed in operation.
FAA restricts Caribbean airspace after Venezuela strike, canceling nearly 300 flights to Puerto Rico alone and stranding travelers across US territories.
Rubio warns Cuba’s leaders “I’d be concerned” hours after US forces seize Maduro, accuses Havana of colonizing Venezuela’s security apparatus.
Maduro indicted on narco-terrorism, machine gun, and cocaine conspiracy charges, jailed in Brooklyn after staged “perp walk” at DEA headquarters, court appearance possible Monday.
Trump announces US will “run” Venezuela, promises American oil companies will “fix infrastructure” and “start making money for the country.”
US and partner forces kill or capture nearly 25 ISIS operatives in Syria since December 19 retaliatory strikes, as hundreds of American troops continue mission after two soldiers killed.
Trump falsely claims “none” of Israeli hostages “were released in the Biden administration,” though 138 of 178 hostages freed through negotiated deals came under Biden.
Trump warns Hamas faces “hell to pay” if militants don’t disarm quickly, says he and Netanyahu “don’t agree 100%” on West Bank after sixth meeting this year.
Zelenskyy says U.S. offered 15-year security guarantees after Mar-a-Lago talks, but Ukraine seeks longer commitment as territorial issues and nuclear plant control remain unresolved.
Trump says he “understands” Russia’s opposition to ceasefire that would let Ukraine hold referendum, calls Mar-a-Lago talks with Zelenskyy progress toward peace deal.
Trump tells Politico that Zelenskyy “doesn’t have anything until I approve it” ahead of Sunday meeting, adding “They’re all coming. They all come,” as Netanyahu also visits this weekend.
