US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States’ role in Venezuela could continue for years, following the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a raid on Caracas.
Speaking to the New York Times, Trump said, “Only time will tell” how long his administration would oversee the running of Venezuela, a nation rich in oil and natural resources. He did not provide a timeline for elections or the transfer of power to a civilian government, leaving Venezuela’s political future uncertain.
US Control of Venezuelan Oil
The White House has announced that the US will control Venezuela’s oil sales indefinitely, a move aimed at leveraging influence over the interim government led by Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodríguez.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that controlling the oil trade is necessary to ensure stability and secure economic leverage in Caracas. Trump added that while the US would be “taking oil,” rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure would take time, given years of mismanagement and the impact of sanctions.
Opposition Leaders and Political Prisoners
Venezuelan opposition figures, including María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, have long called for the release of political prisoners and recognition of legitimate election results. Machado described Maduro’s ouster as an “irreversible process” toward Venezuelan freedom.
The interim government has begun releasing detainees previously considered political prisoners, including prominent activist Rocío San Miguel. Human rights groups have praised the gesture but caution that hundreds of political prisoners remain in detention across the country.
Machado emphasized that the first priority is freeing political prisoners and ensuring that legitimate leadership claims, such as González’s, are recognized.
Trump Focuses on Profit and Reconstruction
During the interview, Trump highlighted the US’s economic goals in Venezuela, including using oil production to lower global prices and provide financial resources for the country’s reconstruction. He also announced plans to meet with representatives from major US oil companies at the White House to discuss investment and production strategies.
Despite pressure from opposition figures and lawmakers, Trump stated that his administration remains focused on managing the immediate post-Maduro situation, rather than establishing a clear political roadmap for elections or governance in the short term.
Congressional Oversight
The US Senate recently voted 52-47 to consider a resolution under the War Powers Act aimed at limiting the president’s ability to conduct further military operations in Venezuela. While largely symbolic, it signals growing concern in Congress over long-term US involvement in the country and the balance of executive power in foreign interventions.
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