US President Donald Trump has expressed intentions for the US to oversee Venezuela and exploit its oil resources for an extended period. Trump, in an interview with The New York Times, mentioned that the US expects to maintain direct control over Venezuela for a significant duration, aiming to make the country profitable through oil extraction. He emphasized a long-term strategy, stating that the US will manage the sale of Venezuelan oil indefinitely to stabilize the nation and influence global energy prices.
The US administration disclosed plans to take charge of selling Venezuelan oil as part of a three-phase strategy presented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While Republicans have largely supported this approach, Democrats have raised concerns about the potential for a prolonged intervention without clear legal authority. Trump refrained from specifying a timeline for elections in Venezuela and avoided questions regarding the recognition of Maduro’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, as the interim leader.
Acknowledging the need for significant efforts to revive Venezuela’s oil industry, Trump highlighted that this process would require several years. When asked about the possibility of deploying US ground troops, Trump declined to provide details, citing confidentiality. Despite public criticism, Trump asserted that the current Venezuelan leadership is cooperating with the US and providing essential support as deemed necessary.
Trump’s remarks reflect a focus on the successful military operation that led to Maduro’s arrest, amid growing concerns in Washington regarding the duration, costs, and implications of the US involvement in Venezuela.
