As Venezuela is going through a period of intense political uncertainty, billionaire Elon Musk has publicly voiced support for the country’s citizens, with SpaceX-owned Starlink rolling out free internet access.The tech mogul on Sunday posted, “In support of the people of Venezuela,” while reposting to Starlink’s announcement that it would temporarily offer free broadband services in the country. The satellite internet provider took to X, saying, “Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity.” The announcement came after the dramatic capture of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s president, who has been removed from power by the United States. Footage released by US authorities showed the former Venezuelan leader in handcuffs during a staged perp walk. In the video, Maduro could be seen wishing reporters and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents a Happy New Year and Good Night as he was escorted into custody. With the presidency suddenly vacant, Venezuela’s Supreme Court moved to establish continuity in governance. Late on Saturday, the court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to take over as acting president, CNN reported. The judges ruled that Maduro was in a “material and temporary impossibility to exercise his functions.”US President Donald Trump said that Washington will take an active and decisive role in determining Venezuela’s future following the operation in the country. Speaking on Fox News, Trump made it clear that the United States would not step aside. “We’ll be involved in it very much,” he said, arguing that America could not risk allowing others to take control of what was left behind. “We can’t take a chance in letting somebody else run and just take over what he left,” he added.“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” The 47th US president also praised the military operation, calling it “one of the most stunning attacks and effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” Trump claimed the speed and precision of the raid set it apart from anything other nations could achieve.
