Washington, D.C. / Caracas, Venezuela – US President Donald Trump has indicated that America’s involvement in Venezuela could continue for an extended period following the recent US military operation that captured former President Nicolas Maduro. Speaking to The New York Times on January 8, 2026, Trump said the duration of US oversight remains uncertain, but suggested it is likely to last “much longer” than a single year.
US Assumes Control After Maduro’s Removal
The high-profile abduction of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores by US special forces occurred on Saturday in a large-scale operation reportedly involving 150 jets from 20 airbases. The operation has drawn international attention due to the reported scale of casualties and the political implications for Venezuelan sovereignty.
Since Maduro’s removal, the US has asserted dominance over Venezuela, claiming it will control the country’s oil sales indefinitely. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, recognised by Washington, has stated that no foreign power governs Caracas, yet US officials maintain operational oversight.
Trump said, “We will rebuild it [Venezuela] in a very profitable way. We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil. We’re getting oil prices down, and we’re going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need.”
Trump also emphasised cooperation with Rodriguez’s administration, noting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio “speaks to her all the time”. The president did not clarify why Rodriguez was recognised over opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won a major electoral victory in 2024, nor did he commit to future elections.
Human Cost of the Operation
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported that the raid left 100 people dead and dozens wounded, including injuries to Maduro and Flores. Prior casualty reports had been lower, with the Venezuelan army listing 23 fatalities and Cuba announcing 32 of its military and intelligence personnel killed.
Cabello described the deaths as a result of US forces targeting Maduro’s security team “in cold blood,” prompting Delcy Rodriguez to declare a week of mourning for fallen military personnel.
The operation has sparked outrage across Venezuela and the wider region, with many questioning the legality and humanitarian consequences of the intervention.
Trump’s Vision for Venezuela
Trump portrayed the operation as part of a long-term strategy for economic and energy dominance in Venezuela. By controlling the country’s oil resources, the administration intends to stabilise global oil prices while using revenues to fund reconstruction efforts.
“Only time will tell how long we’ll be involved. We’re getting along very well with the government there,” Trump stated.
Analysts warn that the extended US presence in Venezuela could have significant implications for regional stability, US-Latin America relations, and global oil markets.
Leave a Reply