Trump Signals Long-Term U.S. Role in Running Venezuela and Tapping Its Oil Reserves
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the United States will maintain an extended supervisory role in Venezuela following a dramatic U.S. military intervention that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power. In an interview published by The New York Times, Trump stated that American oversight could last “much longer” than initially expected and emphasized Washington’s intention to rebuild and exploit Venezuela’s vast oil resources as part of its long-term involvement in the country.
According to Trump, the United States will not only oversee Venezuela politically but also actively manage its oil industry. He said the U.S. plans to use Venezuelan oil to help lower global fuel prices and generate revenue, asserting that Washington is “getting along very well” with the interim Venezuelan government currently led by Delcy Rodríguez. Trump characterized the rebuilding of Venezuela’s oil sector as a “very profitable” endeavor that could benefit both Venezuelans and Americans over time.
The U.S. strategy signals a significant shift from temporary intervention to sustained involvement. Trump’s comments echo earlier statements in which he pledged that the U.S. would “run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” suggesting an open-ended commitment. This position has sparked debate about U.S. intentions, sovereignty, and the legal ramifications of prolonged American control over another sovereign nation’s political and economic affairs
