President Donald Trump has dropped a bombshell: The United States could oversee Venezuela’s massive oil production for years, tapping into its riches without a clear exit strategy. Speaking to The New York Times, Trump described the arrangement as a ‘very profitable’ rebuild, where America takes charge of the oil to benefit both nations.
This comes after the dramatic arrest of leader Nicolas Maduro, leaving the US deeply embedded in Venezuela’s affairs. ‘Time will tell’ how long direct monitoring lasts, Trump said, but expect it to be ‘quite long’ rather than fleeting months. He plans to slash global oil prices while funneling funds back to a cash-strapped Venezuela.
Details emerged from briefings where officials detailed Rubio’s three-step plan, granting Washington control over oil sales. GOP lawmakers cheered the move, seeing it as economic leverage. Critics from the Democratic side fear it’s an unauthorized forever-war in disguise.
Trump stayed mum on election schedules or the choice of interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, a Maduro ally, over opposition hopefuls. Continuous talks with Rubio keep channels open, he noted. Reviving rundown oil operations? ‘It’ll take time,’ Trump conceded.
Pressed on US boots on the ground, he demurred: ‘I wouldn’t want to say.’ Public backlash hasn’t deterred him; he claims Venezuelan authorities are handing over all requested assets willingly.
The interview underscores a bold vision: Leverage Maduro’s downfall for sustained US influence, stabilize markets, and secure energy dominance. Yet, swirling uncertainties about legalities, expenses, and endgames cast shadows over this ambitious gambit.