Washington is poised to maintain a firm grip on Venezuela’s vast oil reserves for the foreseeable future, according to President Donald Trump. In a candid interview with The New York Times, Trump signaled that America’s oversight in the South American nation could stretch well beyond months, potentially spanning years, with no fixed end date in sight.
The remarks come in the wake of Nicolas Maduro’s arrest, a development that has thrust the US into a pivotal role. Trump emphasized that rebuilding Venezuela’s neglected oil infrastructure would be a profitable endeavor for Washington. ‘We’re going to rebuild it in a very profitable manner. We’ll use the oil and take the oil,’ he stated bluntly.
Trump outlined plans for indefinite control over Venezuela’s oil sales, framing it as essential for stabilizing the country and easing global energy prices. ‘We’re bringing oil prices down and giving Venezuela money it desperately needs,’ he added. This approach aligns with a three-phase strategy presented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Congress, which effectively hands oil revenue management to US authorities.
Republicans have rallied behind the initiative, praising it as a strategic win. Democrats, however, express alarm, warning it risks morphing into a protracted intervention without clear legal backing. Trump dodged questions on timelines for elections or why the US recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez over opposition figures, noting ongoing communications via Rubio.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Trump admitted revitalizing the oil fields would take years. He refused to speculate on ground troop deployments, saying, ‘I can’t tell you that. I really wouldn’t want to say.’ Despite criticisms, he insisted the current leadership is fully cooperative, providing everything the US requires.
As questions mount over costs, duration, and outcomes, the Trump administration portrays Maduro’s capture as a triumph, positioning America to reshape Venezuela’s energy landscape for years to come.
