India, Jan. 6 -- The United States is preparing for a dramatic and controversial phase in Venezuela after the capture of long-time leader Nicolas Maduro, with President Donald Trump signalling that Washington will directly govern the country for now.

At the centre of these plans is Stephen Miller, Trump's hardline deputy chief of staff, who the president is reportedly considering for a pivotal role in overseeing Venezuela's political and economic transition.

Stephen Miller is one of Trump's closest and most powerful advisers, known for shaping the administration's toughest immigration, national security, and enforcement-first policies. As deputy chief of staff, Miller has played a central role in policy coordination across departments a...