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US may remain in Venezuela for years, Trump says
President Donald Trump indicated that American involvement in Venezuela could extend for an indefinite period, following the US military's removal of Nicolás Maduro from power over the weekend. In an interview with The New York Times, Trump stated that the duration of US oversight in the South American nation remains uncertain, saying, "Only time will tell."
No clear timeline for elections under interim leadership
Trump did not specify whether or when elections would be held to replace the interim government led by Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodríguez, who was installed by Venezuela's Supreme Court. The court, dominated by Maduro allies, designated Rodríguez as the country's transitional leader. Trump told reporters that Rodríguez was cooperating fully with US demands, adding, "She's giving us everything that we feel is necessary."
US asserts control over Venezuela's oil industry
The White House announced earlier this week that the US would indefinitely manage sales of Venezuelan oil, which holds the world's largest proven reserves. Energy Secretary Chris Wright argued that control over oil revenues was necessary to maintain leverage over the interim government in Caracas. Trump confirmed plans to extract Venezuelan oil but acknowledged that reviving the country's crippled industry would take time.
Venezuela's oil production has collapsed due to years of mismanagement under Maduro and his predecessor, as well as US sanctions. Trump suggested that proceeds from oil sales would be used to purchase US-made goods, though he did not explain why the US recognized Rodríguez as Venezuela's leader.
Opposition leader calls Maduro's ouster an "irreversible" step
María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, described Maduro's removal as the start of an "irreversible process" toward freedom for Venezuela. In an interview with opposition news site La Patilla, she criticized the interim government as a continuation of Maduro's regime, stating it was "being given instructions to dismantle itself."
"The first thing that needs to happen is the release of political prisoners,"
María Corina Machado
Machado, who united opposition groups ahead of the 2024 presidential election but was barred from running, backed former diplomat Edmundo González as her proxy. Though Venezuela's electoral council declared Maduro the winner, opposition tallies-verified by independent observers-showed González winning by a wide margin. González fled into exile after the election, while Machado went into hiding before traveling to Oslo in December to accept the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy of democratic rights.
Trump dismisses Machado's leadership, focuses on oil
During his first news conference after the raid, Trump questioned Machado's ability to lead Venezuela, claiming she lacked the necessary support. "I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader," he said. Instead, Trump emphasized economic interests, stating that the US would "rebuild [Venezuela] in a very profitable way" by controlling its oil resources.
Trump is scheduled to meet with executives from major US oil companies at the White House on Friday to discuss further plans. He reiterated that the US would "be taking oil" from Venezuela to lower global prices and provide financial aid to the country, though he did not outline a broader political strategy.
