President Donald Trump stated in an interview published by the New York Times that the United States may supervise Venezuela and manage its oil revenue for an extended period. Trump expressed uncertainty about the duration of U.S. oversight in Venezuela, suggesting it could extend well beyond a year. He emphasized plans to revitalize Venezuela’s oil sector and utilize its resources for mutual benefit.
Following a recent mission to capture President Nicolás Maduro, Trump disclosed intentions to process and sell approximately 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil that were previously inaccessible due to a U.S. embargo. Trump lauded the cooperation of Venezuela’s interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, an ally of Maduro. While Trump did not confirm direct communication with Rodríguez, he mentioned ongoing dialogues between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Venezuelan administration.
Trump refrained from explaining the lack of support for Venezuela’s opposition, particularly conservative figures like Edmundo González, who was previously recognized as the rightful victor of the contested 2024 election. The Senate recently moved to limit Trump’s authority to deploy military actions in Venezuela without congressional approval, signaling a rare challenge to his decision-making power.
Furthermore, Trump’s administration aims to influence Venezuela’s oil sector without a military presence, aiming to enhance the country’s oil production capabilities. Washington and the Venezuelan opposition attribute Venezuela’s economic struggles to corruption and mismanagement by the ruling party, while Maduro blames U.S. sanctions for the economic downturn.
In an effort to streamline Venezuela’s oil industry, Trump is set to meet with prominent oil executives at the White House to discuss strategies for enhancing oil production in the country. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright anticipates collaboration with major oil companies to support Venezuela’s oil sector recovery, emphasizing a long-term commitment to the country’s economic revival.