In a series of bold declarations from Mar-a-Lago and aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is now effectively in charge of Venezuela.
These comments follow the high-stakes military operation on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently being held in U.S. custody.
The president emphasized that the U.S. administration will oversee the nation to ensure a proper and judicious transition.
He clarified that this temporary governance is intended to prevent any unfavorable figures from seizing power in the vacuum left by the previous administration.
Diplomatic Tensions and Future Governance
A central figure in the emerging political landscape is Delcy Rodríguez, who was recently appointed as interim president by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.
While Rodríguez initially condemned the U.S. intervention as an atrocity, her tone has shifted toward a call for collaboration and a respectful relationship.
When questioned about direct communication with Rodríguez, the president indicated that while he has not spoken to her personally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in contact.
The president suggested that Rodríguez has expressed a willingness to cooperate with U.S. requirements, noting that she may have little choice given the current circumstances.
He issued a stern warning that non-compliance would result in a significant price, suggesting consequences even more severe than those faced by Maduro.
Strategic Priorities: Oil and Security
The administration has outlined clear objectives for its involvement in the South American nation:
- Energy Infrastructure: The president plans to have major American oil companies enter Venezuela to repair and manage its fractured oil infrastructure. This move is presented as a way to generate wealth for the country while ensuring the U.S. is reimbursed for its efforts.
- Regional Stability: A primary justification for the intervention remains the disruption of narco-trafficking routes and the stabilization of migration patterns affecting the U.S. southern border.
- Monroe Doctrine: Invoking historical foreign policy frameworks, the administration has framed this action as a restoration of American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere.
What Lies Ahead
Despite the assertion of control, the physical presence of U.S. forces on the ground remains limited, and the existing Venezuelan military and government structures continue to operate.
The administration intends to govern through a designated group of officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, until a more permanent transition is established.
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