President Donald Trump has stated that there is no definitive timeline for how long the United States may maintain control over Venezuela, suggesting it could be for several years or even “much longer.” In an interview with The New York Times, Trump emphasized the U.S. intention to “rebuild” Venezuela in a manner that would be beneficial economically. He remarked, “Only time will tell” regarding the duration of U.S. involvement in the country.
Trump outlined the U.S. strategy regarding Venezuela’s oil resources, indicating that the country will be expected to transfer between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. He stated, “We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil,” adding that the U.S. aims to lower oil prices while providing essential financial support to Venezuela, which he described as “desperately” needed.
The President mentioned that his administration is in “constant communication” with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez. He highlighted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio frequently engages with her, indicating a strong diplomatic connection amid ongoing political upheaval in the region. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain following the recent capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro, which has sparked discussions on the country’s path forward.
In addition to Venezuela, Trump expressed interest in operations within Colombia, stating that a U.S. involvement “sounds good.” His comments raise questions about potential implications for other Latin American nations. During the interview, he received a call from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, although details of that discussion were not disclosed. Despite previous tensions between the two leaders, Trump later described the conversation as an “honor,” expressing appreciation for Petro’s tone and indicating a desire to meet in the near future.
Arrangements are reportedly being made for Rubio to meet with Petro in Washington, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic relations in the region. As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, the focus remains on how U.S. actions will impact both Venezuela and its neighboring countries in Latin America.
