Trump: U.S. to Control Venezuela Long Term and Tap Its Oil
U.S. President Donald Trump said on 7 January local time that he hopes to visit Venezuela in the future, as he outlined plans for sustained American involvement in the South American nation's governance and petroleum sector.
In an interview with The New York Times, Trump indicated that the United States expects to exercise 'long-term control' over Venezuela and make extensive use of the country's significant oil reserves. He stated that the interim Venezuelan government is providing the U.S. with 'all the support it deems necessary'. The president said the U.S. has begun profiting from Venezuelan oil and announced intentions to acquire 30 to 50 million barrels of heavy Venezuelan crude, without specifying a timeline. Trump acknowledged that rebuilding Venezuela's fractured oil industry could take years.
When asked whether he would visit Venezuela, Trump said he believes it will be safe at some point. According to the interview.
These remarks follow a dramatic U.S. military operation early on 3 January, in which American forces struck targets in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The pair were transported to the United States to face criminal charges, including allegations related to narcotics and organized crime. Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty during a 5 January arraignment in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Venezuelan authorities have strongly contested U.S. actions. On the evening of 7 January, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the U.S. military operation resulted in 100 deaths, including civilians, and condemned the strike as a violation of sovereignty.
Amid these tensions, the United States has effectively backed an interim government in Venezuela following Maduro's removal.
The operation and Trump's statements on long-term oversight have drawn widespread international scrutiny. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about regional stability and the legality of the U.S. intervention, and several governments have criticized what they view as a breach of international norms.
Regional and Diplomatic Reactions
The Colombian government has also been directly involved. On 7 January, Colombian President Gustavo Petro spoke with President Trump by telephone in a call confirmed by the Colombian Foreign Ministry to have lasted approximately 15 minutes. According to Trump's social media posts, the conversation addressed drug-related cooperation and 'existing differences,' and Trump expressed anticipation of future meetings with Petro. Plans are underway for Petro to visit the White House in Washington, D.C., with discussions expected to include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Colombian Foreign Minister coordinating details.
Earlier, Petro had publicly opposed coercive measures against Maduro, describing the U.S. military action as lacking legal basis and tantamount to kidnapping. His position reflects broader regional tensions over the U.S. campaign.
Ongoing Geopolitical Stakes
The Trump administration has persistently cited narcotics interdiction as a justification for its Venezuela policy, pressuring multiple Latin American nations on drug-related issues. Trump has repeatedly criticized Maduro's alleged ties to drug trafficking, and these themes have been central to both diplomatic and military strategy in the region.
As the situation evolves, both the future of Venezuelan governance and the role of U.S. oil interests remain key points of international attention.