The White House is reportedly considering elevating Stephen Miller to a leading role in planning U.S. operations in Venezuela after President Trump said the U.S. would "run the country" following Nicolás Maduro’s capture. The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, says Miller — known for shaping immigration and border policy — could oversee post‑Maduro efforts. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has asserted authority in Venezuela and rejected foreign control. Former envoy Elliott Abrams called direct U.S. governance implausible and urged support for a democratic transition.
WaPo: White House May Elevate Stephen Miller to Lead Post‑Maduro Venezuela Effort
White House Deputy Chief of Staff and senior homeland security adviser Stephen Miller could be placed in a leading role shaping U.S. policy toward Venezuela as the Trump administration debates how to manage the country after Nicolás Maduro’s capture, The Washington Post reported.
President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States would "run the country" following news of Maduro’s detention. Standing beside Trump during the announcement were senior administration figures, including Stephen Miller, Senator Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth and other advisers.
The Washington Post, citing anonymous officials, reported Monday that the White House is "weighing" assigning Miller a "more elevated role in overseeing post‑Maduro operations in Venezuela." According to the report, Miller has played a central role in the administration’s immigration and border policies and helped shape the administration’s strategy toward removing Maduro.
Venezuelan Leadership And Reactions
In Maduro’s absence, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has asserted authority and rejected any suggestion of foreign control. Rodríguez responded sharply to Trump’s remarks, declaring that Venezuela will "not be a colony of any empire."
“Venezuela will not be a colony of any empire,” Delcy Rodríguez said following reports of Maduro’s capture.
Former U.S. special envoy to Venezuela Elliott Abrams said he believed Trump’s comment about running Venezuela was made off the cuff and warned against direct U.S. governance.
“You know, it’s a very big country. It’s twice the size of California, 25 million people, roughly. It’s too complex for us to run,” Abrams said, arguing that Washington should instead support the emergence of a popular, democratic, elected government capable of rehabilitating the country with international assistance.
What Comes Next
Officials and analysts say a number of complex options remain on the table — from diplomatic and economic measures to coordination with regional democracies — and that any U.S. role would face significant political, logistical and legal challenges. Whether Miller will receive a formal expanded mandate remains unconfirmed; the White House has not publicly announced a personnel change.
The situation is fluid and likely to draw scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, regional partners and international organizations as events unfold.
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