Trump declares U.S. will govern Venezuela post-strikes, promises oil investment and questions opposition leader’s support
President Trump announced that the U.S. will govern Venezuela until a “proper” transition occurs.
This statement followed U.S. military strikes against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.Trump made the announcement during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
U.S. oil companies are expected to invest billions in restoring Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Trump stated that the approach includes extracting wealth from the ground and sharing some resources with Venezuelans.
He commented on Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, suggesting it would be “very tough” for her to lead. Trump indicated that Machado, who has supported the removal of Maduro, lacks respect and support domestically.
Military Operation
The U.S. conducted a military operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, bringing them out of Venezuela aboard the USS Iwo Jima, as reported by Trump.
The operation was coordinated with U.S. law enforcement agencies.
