Le président américain Donald Trump stated that the United States could oversee Venezuela and control its oil revenues for an extended period, suggesting involvement that could last for several years after the military operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. In an interview with New York TimesHe estimated that "only the future will tell" how long this supervision will last, adding that it would be "much longer" than a year.
According to Trump, Washington intends to play a central role in the country's economic reconstruction, relying in particular on the exploitation of its vast oil resources. He stated that the United States planned to use Venezuelan oil to lower global energy prices, while redistributing a portion of the revenue to the South American country, which has been facing a severe economic and social crisis for years.
The American president also assured that he maintained good relations with the transitional government led by Delcy Rodriguez, former vice-president under Maduro. He specified that his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, was in “constant” contact with the interim Venezuelan authorities, without confirming whether he himself had spoken directly with Rodriguez.
Trump also indicated that he had invited the Colombian president Gustavo Petro Colombia's trip to Washington appears to have ruled out, at least temporarily, the prospect of US military action against Colombia. This diplomatic overture comes after particularly harsh statements by the US president toward Bogotá in recent days.
On the energy front, the White House chief announced an upcoming meeting with the heads of major American oil companies, including Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips et ChevronThe stated objective is to discuss the revival of Venezuelan oil production, while the United States is considering long-term control over sales and revenues in the sector.
Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, has become considerably poorer over the past decade, with millions of citizens forced into exile. Washington and its allies have long accused the previous administration of plunging the country into crisis through corruption and mismanagement, while Caracas has until now blamed the economic collapse on US sanctions. Trump's statements now confirm that the United States is considering long-term involvement in the country's political and economic overhaul.
